MINNEAPOLIS— Delta Air Lines (DL) has canceled hundreds of flights across the US Midwest ahead of a powerful winter storm expected to bring heavy snow and strong winds this weekend. The airline’s largest disruption is centered on Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), one of its major hubs.
The storm is forecast to impact several regional airports, including Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), Eppley Airfield Omaha (OMA), and Des Moines International Airport (DSM). Delta implemented the cancellations early to reduce operational strain and limit passenger disruption.
Delta Cancels Flights from Minneapolis Hub
Delta Air Lines (DL) began canceling flights across multiple Midwest airports as meteorologists warned of severe winter conditions through the weekend. Forecasts predict up to 18 inches of snow combined with strong winds, creating hazardous conditions for flight operations.
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is the most affected hub. The airport handles a large share of Delta’s regional operations, making it highly vulnerable to weather disruptions. By canceling flights in advance, the airline aims to stabilize schedules and prevent large-scale delays once the storm intensifies.
Other airlines operating in the region have also taken similar action. Southwest Airlines (WN) and Sun Country Airlines (SY) announced several cancellations ahead of the storm to protect operational reliability.
According to flight tracking data from FlightAware, Delta canceled more than 80 departures on Saturday. The number rises significantly on Sunday, with over 220 flights removed from the schedule. At Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) alone, nearly 200 departing flights and a similar number of arrivals were canceled for Sunday operations.
Regional partner SkyWest Airlines (OO), which operates many Delta Connection services, also suspended numerous flights. More than 120 SkyWest flights linked to Delta’s network were canceled for Sunday as the storm approaches peak intensity.
Airports Impacted Across Seven Midwest States
Delta listed 26 airports expected to experience service disruptions due to the winter storm. These airports are spread across seven states, with the largest concentration in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
Affected airports include:
- Aberdeen Regional Airport (ABR)
- Alpena County Regional Airport (APN)
- Appleton International Airport (ATW)
- Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (BRD)
- Eastern Iowa Airport Cedar Rapids (CID)
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
- Duluth International Airport (DLH)
- Delta County Airport Escanaba (ESC)
- Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB)
- Sawyer International Airport Marquette (MQT)
- Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
- Quad Cities International Airport Moline (MLI)
- Eppley Airfield Omaha (OMA)
- Pellston Regional Airport (PLN)
- Rhinelander Oneida County Airport (RHI)
- Rochester International Airport Minnesota (RST)
- MBS International Airport (MBS)
- Chippewa County International Airport (CIU)
- Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD)
- Cherry Capital Airport Traverse City (TVC)
- Watertown Regional Airport (ATY)
- Central Wisconsin Airport Wausau (CWA)
Many passengers were already experiencing delays before the full storm impact. Reports from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) on Friday showed large crowds and long queues as travelers waited for updates on their flights.
Travel Waiver And Rebooking Options
Delta has issued a travel waiver covering passengers booked on affected flights between March 14 and March 15. The waiver allows customers to rebook their travel without change fees.
Passengers can move their flights to a new departure date within one year of the original booking. If travelers rebook on or before March 22 in the same cabin class, Delta will waive any fare difference.
For travel dates after March 22, fare differences may apply. Customers also have the option to cancel their trip and retain the ticket value as credit for future travel within one year.
Winter Storm Disruptions Continue Across US Aviation
Major winter storms during the 2025 to 2026 winter season have repeatedly disrupted airline operations across the United States. In late February, Winter Storm Hernando brought more than 30 inches of snow to parts of the East Coast and caused over 10,000 flight cancellations within four days.
Airlines maintain extensive winter weather procedures, including aircraft deicing, runway clearing, and adjusted flight schedules. However, extreme snowfall and strong winds can still force widespread cancellations to ensure passenger safety.
Weather forecasts suggest conditions should improve after the weekend once the storm moves east. Even so, operational recovery may take several days as airlines reposition aircraft and crews across affected airports.
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