March 16, 2026 — Nationwide — Severe weather across the United States, including blizzards in the Midwest, high winds, thunderstorms and potential tornadoes on the East Coast, triggered over 3,600 to 4,200 flight cancellations and 5,400 to 9,800 delays within, into or out of the country, according to FlightAware data.
Major airlines were heavily impacted during peak spring break travel. American Airlines reported more than 500 cancellations, while Southwest and Delta each saw over 400. Key hubs like Chicago O’Hare (more than 560 cancellations), Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson (over 400), LaGuardia, Orlando, JFK and Newark experienced significant disruptions.
TSA Staffing Crisis Exacerbates Chaos
The disruptions were worsened by a partial Department of Homeland Security government shutdown that began on February 14. More than 300 TSA agents have quit due to unpaid shifts, leading to security lines stretching 3 to 4 hours. Airports recommended passengers arrive three hours early. ABC World News reported: “More than 2,000 flights cancelled ahead of the storm. Travelers are told to arrive 3 hours early for flights, after hundreds of TSA agents quit because they’re not getting paid during the government shutdown.”
Airline CEOs’ Urgent Plea to Congress
On March 15, CEOs from major airlines including Delta’s Ed Bastian, United’s Scott Kirby, American’s Robert Isom, Southwest’s Bob Jordan, JetBlue’s Joanna Geraghty, Alaska’s Ben Minicucci, and others from UPS, FedEx and Atlas Air, along with Airlines for America President Christopher T. Sununu, sent an open letter to Congress.
The letter highlighted record spring travel expectations of 171 million passengers and cited polling showing 93% public support for paying federal aviation workers during shutdowns.
TSA officers just received $0 paychecks. That is simply unacceptable.
It urged immediate DHS funding and passage of the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, Aviation Funding Stability Act and Keep America Flying Act to ensure pay for TSA, customs and air traffic controllers during shutdowns.
It’s past time for the government to make sure that TSA officers, U.S. Customs clearance officers at airports and air traffic controllers are paid for the job they do.
The letter noted recent reports of 2-4 hour checkpoint wait times amid spring break and upcoming events like the FIFA World Cup 2026.
