Delta Air Lines has canceled select flights across five U.S. states as Winter Storm Fern pushes east, bringing snow, ice and dangerous travel conditions expected to disrupt operations through the weekend.
The Atlanta-based carrier said the cancellations are concentrated in areas forecast to see heavy snowfall and widespread ice accumulation beginning Friday evening, particularly across North Texas and Oklahoma. Delta has also expanded travel waivers to give customers more flexibility and reduce congestion at airports as conditions deteriorate.
The storm is already affecting parts of the central U.S., and forecasters expect impacts to widen into the Southeast and Northeast. Delta’s largest hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is among the key locations preparing for prolonged weather-related challenges.
Cancellations Hit Airports Across North Texas and Surrounding States
Delta said it has canceled select flights at airports across North Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee as the storm creates operational risks for aircraft, crews and airport ground teams.
Forecasts call for heavy snowfall in Oklahoma and significant ice buildup across Northern Texas, creating conditions that can slow airport operations and limit safe departures and arrivals. Delta said affected customers are being automatically rebooked on the next available itinerary.
Travelers can also make adjustments directly using the Delta app or Delta.com. Under current waivers, eligible customers can change flights without additional fees.
Delta Deploys Cold-Weather Teams to Support Deicing and Ground Operations
To reduce the risk of cascading delays, Delta has adjusted staffing plans and sent support teams from cold-weather hubs to assist airports expected to face severe winter conditions.
The airline said those teams are being deployed to help with deicing and ground operations at Atlanta (ATL), Birmingham (BHM), Huntsville (HSV), Knoxville (TYS), and Nashville (BNA). The staffing shifts are aimed at maintaining operational stability as weather impacts spread into the Southeast.
Atlanta remains a focal point for Delta’s network, and disruptions at the hub can quickly ripple across domestic and international schedules.
Expanded Travel Waivers Cover Central, Southeast and Northeast Markets
Delta has broadened its travel waivers as Winter Storm Fern expands its reach. The carrier issued a waiver for Eastern North America in addition to an earlier waiver covering parts of the central and southeastern U.S.
Both waivers apply to travel to, from, or through impacted cities. Weather forecasts indicate freezing rain, sleet and ice could spread across Texas, the Southeast and into the Northeast starting Sunday afternoon.
Customers with existing bookings can adjust travel dates without fees if they meet waiver conditions. Delta said if a flight is canceled or a delay causes a missed connection, customers will be rebooked on the next available flight.
Passenger Guidance: Flight Status, Refunds and Standby Options
Delta is urging customers to check flight status before heading to the airport using the Delta app or Delta.com. Travelers can also receive real-time notifications through mobile alerts or email.
The airline said domestic passengers delayed by three hours or more who choose not to travel are eligible for a full refund for the unused portion of their ticket, including baggage fees. For international itineraries, the refund threshold applies at six hours or more.
Eligible U.S. domestic travelers on their final trip segment can also use Delta’s self-service standby feature in the app to move to an earlier flight when seats are available.
Other Airlines Roll Out Similar Flexibility as Storm Threatens Wider Disruption
Winter Storm Fern is forecast to impact more than two dozen states, raising the risk of widespread delays and cancellations during a busy travel period.
The National Weather Service has warned of dangerous travel conditions, potential power outages, and tree damage across parts of the Southeast, while heavier snow is expected farther north.
Other major airlines have issued similar waivers. Southwest Airlines is allowing flexible rebooking across parts of the South and East. American Airlines expanded options across hubs such as Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Charlotte (CLT). United Airlines issued waivers covering the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Ohio Valley, including Newark (EWR) and Washington-area airports. JetBlue focused on Northeast markets, while Frontier and Spirit outlined refund and fee waiver policies for affected cities.
Travel data firms expect significant disruption. AccuWeather forecasts thousands of cancellations through the weekend, while Hopper estimates more than 15,000 flights could face delays as ripple effects spread nationwide.
What Travelers Should Expect Next
Airlines are continuing to encourage passengers to monitor flight status frequently and use mobile tools for faster rebooking and updates. Even airports outside the storm’s direct path—including Denver, Chicago and Minneapolis—could see indirect delays as aircraft and crews are repositioned to respond to cancellations and shifting schedules.
As the storm progresses, further schedule adjustments remain likely across multiple regions of the U.S., especially as ice and snow complicate airport operations and ground handling.
For now, Delta and other carriers are signaling that flexibility, early planning and frequent flight-status checks will be essential for travelers navigating Winter Storm Fern.
