Winter Storm Ulmer Causing Thousands of Flight Cancellations, Delays

Image: PHOTO: A snowy field airfield. (photo via taka4332 / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: PHOTO: A snowy field airfield. (photo via taka4332 / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 10:42 AM ET, Wed March 13, 2019

Update: March 15, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. ET

As Winter Storm Ulmer moves into the Northeast, bringing heavy rain and winds, the airline industry is still digging out from the massive snow storms in the Plains and Midwest.

According to FlightAware.com, over 400 flights within, into or out of the United States were canceled Friday morning and another 615-plus flights were delayed.


Update: March 14, 2019 at 7:10 a.m. ET

The heavy snow, blizzard winds and limited visibility led to airport cancellations and hundreds of cars being stranded on highways in the Rockies and Plains Wednesday into Thursday morning.

According to FlightAware.com, over 1,070 flights within, into or out of the United States were canceled Thursday morning and another 400-plus flights were delayed.

Denver International Airport was impacted the most, shutting down operations while dealing with the storm. The official Twitter account of the airport said four of six runways were reopened Thursday morning:


As travelers see glimpses of spring weather, the Rockies, Plains and Midwest regions of the United States are being hit by Winter Storm Ulmer, causing thousands of flights to be canceled and delayed.

According to Weather.com, the storm system is expected to bring damaging winds, heavy snow and blizzard conditions through Thursday, with Denver likely the city most impacted by Ulmer as 12 inches of snow is forecasted in some areas.

As the storm moves east, forecasters believe the snow will turn to rain and travel will not be impacted as severely. According to FlightAware.com as of 9:45 a.m. ET, over 1,200 flights within, into or out of the United States were canceled Wednesday morning and another 530-plus flights were delayed.

Denver International Airport was the facility most impacted by the storm, with over 1,000 flights to and from the airport canceled Wednesday. Dallas/Fort Worth International was also dealing with over 100 cancellations.

As a result of the delays and cancellations, airlines have started issuing travel advisories for customers scheduled to fly to or from impacted airports. Carriers such as American, Delta, Southwest and United have all started waiving change fees through March 14.

All passengers in impacted regions are being asked to call their airlines before heading to the airport to ensure their flights aren't delayed or canceled.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....