American Airlines has experienced its highest number of weather-related flight cancellations in its century-long history, as severe weather from Winter Storm Fern swept across the United States. On Wednesday, January 24, 2026, the Fort Worth, Texas-based airline canceled approximately 16% of its flights, amounting to 653 mainline and regional cancellations, with nearly 1,077 additional delays, according to data from FlightAware.
The airline’s operations have struggled significantly due to the storm, which has left many crew members unable to complete their scheduled routes. “As the operation deteriorated, many Flight Attendant trips began ‘breaking,’ preventing crews from completing their scheduled routings,” a representative from the Association of Professional Flight Attendants stated. This disruption has compounded issues related to crew rest requirements mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), further aggravating the situation and leading to additional cancellations.
American Airlines has been proactive in addressing the crisis, offering incentives to its employees to encourage them to take on extra shifts. The airline announced double pay for flight attendants and an additional five hours of pay for pilots in an effort to stabilize operations. Despite these measures, reports indicate that some crew members have been stranded at airports, complicating their ability to reach scheduling departments and contribute to recovery efforts.
As operations resumed at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, American Airlines noted improvements in both departures and arrivals. “There has been a marked improvement in departures and arrivals,” an airline representative confirmed. The company is working diligently to minimize cancellations, recognizing their impact on customers and staff alike. Travelers are encouraged to utilize the airline’s app for the latest flight status updates and available flexibility options.
While American Airlines continues to grapple with these challenges, its performance on the same day was markedly worse compared to competitors such as United Airlines, which canceled 11 flights, and Delta Airlines, which reported 14 cancellations. The operational challenges at American are compounded by difficult ramp conditions and gate congestion at its primary hub, exacerbated by hazardous ice conditions.
In light of these challenges, American Airlines remains focused on restoring normalcy to its operations and ensuring that customer service remains a priority. “Cancellations are not what we want for our customers or our team members, and teams across the airline are working diligently to minimize them,” the representative stated.
For travelers impacted by the disruptions, American Airlines offers options for refunds on ancillary services such as Wi-Fi or lounge access, should these services not be delivered as promised. The airline is also required to provide live customer service support around the clock, ensuring passengers have access to assistance as needed.
As the winter weather continues to pose challenges, American Airlines’ teams are working tirelessly to recover from the storm’s effects and restore reliable service for all its customers.
