If it feels like more flights are getting canceled this summer, you’re not wrong. Flight cancellation rates are up across many U.S. airports, leaving travelers scrambling for alternatives or stuck waiting at terminals longer than expected. The reasons? A mix of weather disruptions, technical issues, and staffing challenges.
The summer 2025 flight cancellation surge
According to FlightAware, cancellations during the peak travel season, from Memorial Day through mid-July, have jumped about 29% compared to the same period in 2024. That’s a noticeable rise, even though airlines scheduled nearly 256,000 fewer flights this summer, which amounts to an 18% drop in total flight volume.
You’d think fewer flights would mean fewer problems, but the opposite is happening. More planes are returning to the gate, more passengers are being rebooked, and on-time performance is taking a hit. The return-to-gate rate, which tracks flights that push back but don’t take off, also increased from 1.4% last year to 1.8% this year.
New York City airports are among the worst affected
If you’re flying in or out of New York, prepare for delays. All three of the city’s major airports—LaGuardia (LGA), JFK (JFK), and Newark (EWR)—are reporting some of the highest cancellation rates in the country.
LaGuardia has seen about 5% of its flights canceled so far this summer. That’s a 65% increase from last year, dragging its on-time performance down by over 6%.
JFK Airport has canceled roughly 3% of scheduled flights, which is a 42% rise compared to 2024.
Newark Liberty is in a similar position, with about 3% of flights canceled, marking a 28% increase from the previous year.
Other airports seeing increased cancellations
The trend isn’t limited to New York. Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport has had one of the highest cancellation rates this summer, alongside Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Washington Dulles International. These hubs are crucial for connecting flights, so delays here can ripple across the country.
Staffing shortages, air traffic control issues, and unpredictable summer storms are all contributing to this nationwide uptick in cancellations.
Some airports are actually improving
Not every airport is having a rough summer. If you’re flying out of Florida, you might be in luck.
Miami International Airport has managed to reduce its cancellation rate by 40%. Its on-time performance has also improved by over 7%.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is also doing better this year, with cancellations down 25% and on-time stats up by more than 5%.
This shows that while national trends point to trouble, some airports are bucking the pattern with better planning and perhaps more cooperative weather.
What travelers can do
Cancellations are frustrating, but there are a few ways you can protect yourself:
Book early flights: Morning flights are less likely to be delayed or canceled.
Avoid tight connections: If one leg gets canceled, it’s easier to recover with some buffer time.
Watch the weather: Summer storms can ground flights fast. Keep an eye on forecasts when planning.
Use flight change services: Some online marketplaces let you sell or transfer nonrefundable tickets. If your plans change, you might be able to recoup some of your costs.
It’s also smart to travel with a reliable portable charger, especially if you’re stuck in terminals longer than expected. Keeping your devices powered can make delays a bit more manageable.
These platforms allow travelers to post unused tickets, hotel stays, or vacation packages they can no longer use. Buyers can often score deals at 20% to 30% off the original price, and sellers avoid losing everything on a canceled trip.
And if you’re hoping to keep essentials organized amid chaos, a carry-on with built-in tech compartments like the Samsonite Underseat Spinner can make transitions smoother.
Final thoughts
Flight disruptions are becoming more common this summer, especially at major hubs like LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark. The spike in cancellations is driven by a combination of reduced flight schedules, persistent technical issues, and unpredictable weather. Still, not all is grim—airports like Miami and Fort Lauderdale are proving that smoother operations are still possible.
If you’re flying this season, give yourself extra time, prepare for the unexpected, and consider flexible options when booking. And if your flight does get canceled, know that there are tools out there to help you bounce back with fewer losses.