February 16, 2026

Thousands of travelers are facing delays and cancellations over President’s Day weekend due to a combination of factors, including high-volume disruptions, inclement weather, and operational issues.

Cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and Orlando have been hit the hardest by these disruptions, resulting in a ground stop for many travelers. This has caused severe flight delays to and from these popular destinations.

However, the root of the travel issues goes beyond the federal government shutdown. Airlines such as American, Southwest, Delta, and Spirit have all experienced delays, with over 2,000 flights impacted due to a mix of severe weather, operational challenges, and high airport volumes.

According to data from Travel and Tour World, the Dallas/Fort Worth area saw an average delay of 45 minutes with over 300 flights affected by thunderstorms. Similarly, Miami International Airport had an average delay time of 45 minutes with nearly 80 flights impacted due to terminal operations and limited capacity.

Denver, another major airline hub, also experienced travel disruptions due to weather conditions, as well as ripple effects from stops at New York City’s JFK airport and San Francisco International Airport.

While the government shutdown is not directly responsible for these travel issues, it may contribute to even more turbulence in the skies. The closure has frozen funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This means that TSA officers at airport security will not receive pay until the shutdown ends.

The shutdown is expected to continue until lawmakers can agree on a budget for the Department of Homeland Security, with the main issue being funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As ICE falls under the DHS, there have been protests and calls to defund the agency due to concerns over violence and immigration enforcement.

Although the impact of the shutdown on air travel may not be immediate, travelers should be prepared for potential disruptions, especially as spring break approaches. With the government at a standstill, it is likely that issues at airports will continue to arise.

Based on last year’s historic shutdown, travelers should expect longer wait times at security screenings as TSA staff work at reduced capacity without pay.

Overall, it is important for travelers to remain flexible and prepared for potential delays or cancellations during this time of uncertainty.