DFW Airport flight cancellations: Travel disruptions continue as North Texas thaws

Published January 28, 2026 1:03pm CST

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Airports returning to normal after winter storm

Air travel is slowly returning to normal at DFW Airport. At the height of the storm, the big airport had more cancellations and delays than anywhere else in the country.

DALLAS - North Texas airports continue to face flight disruptions Wednesday as a winter storm lingers in the region, though cancellations have dropped significantly compared to earlier this week.

DFW flight cancellations and delays

What we know:

Thousands of flights were grounded over the weekend as multiple ground stops took effect. While conditions are improving, flight-tracking site FlightAware reports that Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport still leads the country in total cancellations and delays as of Wednesday morning.

According to FlightAware, the following totals were reported as of noon Wednesday:

541 flights delayed at DFW Airport and Dallas Love Field.
95 flights canceled at DFW Airport and Dallas Love Field.

Airlines working to recover from the winter storm

Dig deeper:

Airlines including American, Southwest, Delta, and United have issued travel waivers, allowing passengers to rebook without change fees. Travelers are urged to check flight statuses online before heading to the airport, as road conditions remain slick across the Metroplex.

American Airlines Recovery American Airlines told FOX 4 in a statement that the carrier is working to recover from Winter Storm Fern. As of 11:30 a.m., only 90 departing flights had been canceled at DFW, which is the lowest number since the storm began.

The airline stated that its on-time departure rate has doubled since Tuesday. Airport surfaces and gates are now clear of snow and ice, and crews are working to return remotely parked planes into service. American added that reuniting customers with delayed luggage remains a "top priority."

Southwest rolls out major policy changes

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Southwest Airlines assigned seating begins

For decades Southwest Airlines' open seating model set it apart from other airlines That changes, starting today. Now, the Dallas-based airline will have assigned seating for passengers with what this means for passengers and flight attendants.

Amid the weather recovery, Southwest Airlines officially began its transition to an assigned seating system on Tuesday. Passengers will now be assigned specific seats and have the option to pay a premium for preferred locations.

In another policy shift, the airline now requires passengers to purchase a second ticket in advance if they cannot fit within the armrests of a single seat. These changes come as the airline faces investor pressure to increase profitability and modernize its business model.

Check Your Flight Status

Travelers can check for flight delays by going to the airport's website.

Check TSA Wait Times

Travelers can check wait times by visiting the links below, checking on the MY TSA App, or visiting the airport's website. However, officials warn that the times are estimates and actual security lines may be longer than shown.

What happens if my flight is canceled?

Airlines will rebook you on another flight if your flight is canceled. Usually this is on the same airline, but depending on the reason, some may be able to rebook you on a partner airline.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, if your flight is canceled, and you choose to forgo the trip you had planned, you're entitled to a refund for any unused portion of your flight – even if the flight is non-refundable.

In addition, you're also entitled to get your money back for any bag fees or extras, such as a seat assignment.

Is an airline required to provide me with a hotel room, food voucher, or other reimbursements for a canceled flight?

Airlines will not provide a hotel, food or other reimbursements if a delay or cancellation is outside the airline's control.

Weather is outside airline control.

The Source: Information in this article comes from American Airlines, FlightAware and previous reporting.

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