Published on
November 1, 2025
Travel disruptions have struck United Airlines with 24 cancelled and 532 delayed flights, affecting passengers across the United States, Canada, Argentina, Singapore, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and beyond. These delays and cancellations have caused chaos in major cities like New Jersey, Toronto, Buenos Aires, Cebu, Manila, and others. The reason behind these disruptions is primarily due to ground delays, which have been attributed to unspecified operational issues and air traffic management challenges. As a result, many flights were held on the ground for extended periods, causing delays of up to 101 minutes on average.
United Airlines is working to resolve these issues, but passengers in cities like New Jersey, Toronto, and Buenos Aires continue to experience delays and last-minute cancellations. While travelers in Cebu and Manila also faced setbacks, the airline is providing updates and rebooking options to affected customers.
Affected Airports, Cities, and Countries
The disruptions affected a broad range of airports globally, including several major international and domestic hubs. The cities and countries impacted include Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in Newark, USA; Palm Beach International Airport (KPBI) in Palm Beach, USA; Chicago O’Hare International Airport (KORD) in Chicago, USA; Orlando International Airport (KMCO) in Orlando, USA; and Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Additionally, airports in Canada, such as Toronto Pearson International Airport (CYYZ), and the Philippines, with Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) in Cebu, were also affected. Other disrupted airports include Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport (KIAH) in Houston, USA; Fort Lauderdale International Airport (KFLL) in Fort Lauderdale, USA; Washington Dulles International Airport (KIAD) in Washington D.C., USA; Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX) in Los Angeles, USA; Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) in Singapore.
Other international airports such as Daniel K Inouye International Airport (PHNL) in Honolulu, USA; Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) in Hong Kong; Guam International Airport (PGUM) in Guam; Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport (SAP) in San Pedro Sula, Honduras; and Manila International Airport (MNL) in Manila, Philippines were also impacted by these disruptions. Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo, Japan was another location where United Airlines flights faced delays.
Reasons Behind the Disruptions
The primary reason for these widespread disruptions has been a combination of factors, including ground delays at key airports. On October 31 through November 1, United Airlines reported significant delays at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) due to reasons marked as “other,” with an average delay of 101 minutes. Although the exact cause remains unspecified, such delays typically occur due to air traffic control issues, weather conditions, or operational challenges. Ground delays are common during periods of heavy traffic or weather disturbances, but the airline’s handling of these issues has sparked frustration among affected passengers.
Total Cancellations and Delays
In total, 24 flights were cancelled by United Airlines. However, 532 flights were delayed, accounting for 18% of the airline’s operations. These figures highlight that while the majority of flights were unaffected, a significant portion of United’s flights were delayed. The delays, with some flights being held on the ground for extended periods, caused major disruptions in passenger schedules.
What Affected Passengers Can Do Now
For passengers affected by these disruptions, there are several steps they can take to manage the situation. First and foremost, passengers should continuously monitor their flight status via the United Airlines website or app. Delays and cancellations are often updated in real time, and the airline may provide new departure times or gate changes.
If your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, it’s crucial to contact United Airlines’ customer service. The airline may offer rebooking options, refunds, or even accommodations depending on the length and cause of the disruption. Passengers should also be aware of their rights. Depending on the country of departure and the length of delay, passengers may be entitled to compensation. For example, in the European Union, regulations require airlines to provide compensation for long delays or cancellations.
If the wait at the airport is expected to be extensive, passengers should consider alternative airports or flights. It may be worth exploring nearby airports or alternate routes that could help minimize the wait time. For those facing extended delays, it’s advisable to prepare for longer stays at the airport. This could include finding comfortable seating, charging devices, staying hydrated, and being patient during the extended waiting periods.
Conclusion
The disruptions faced by United Airlines travelers have led to widespread flight delays and cancellations, impacting numerous airports across the globe. While 18% of flights have been delayed and 24 flights cancelled, the airline is working to address these issues. Affected passengers should remain vigilant and stay in contact with United Airlines to explore rebooking or compensation options. As always, checking for updates and knowing your rights can go a long way in mitigating the frustrations of travel delays.
Image Credit: United Airlines
Source: FlightAware, Affected Airports
