Urgent Travel Warning: Winter Storm Devin Paralyzes Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York, and Boston Airports – Cancellations and Delays Expected

Winter Storm Devin, which swept through the Great Lakes region on December 29, 2025, brought severe weather conditions that caused widespread disruptions at major U.S. airports. From Detroit and Chicago to Minneapolis, New York, and Boston, airlines struggled to manage heavy snow, high winds, and poor visibility. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued ground delays and cancellations, with Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) experiencing some of the most significant challenges.

In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the storm’s impact, the response from airports, and what travelers can expect in the coming days.

Key Disruptions and Delays:

The severe winter weather caused by Winter Storm Devin led to a variety of operational issues at multiple airports. Here’s a breakdown of the key disruptions at the most affected hubs:

What Happened?

Winter Storm Devin, which formed over the Great Lakes, triggered a series of cascading weather events that caused massive disruption to air travel. On Monday, December 29, the FAA initiated a Ground Delay Program (GDP) for Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport due to low visibility and heavy snowfall. The storm, which saw wind gusts reaching 40–50 mph and snow squalls, created whiteout conditions that significantly affected runway maintenance.

At DTW, the FAA’s alert emphasized that runway maintenance, which involves clearing snow and applying anti-icing treatments, was a continuous process due to the severity of the conditions. Ground delays of up to 70 minutes were reported, with nearly 300 departing flights and 250 arriving flights facing delays.

Delta Air Lines, a major carrier at Detroit, saw particularly significant disruptions as its regional partners, including Endeavor Air and SkyWest, struggled to maintain their schedules amidst the chaos. Approximately 46 departures and 43 arrivals were canceled, further exacerbating the travel disruption.

Why Were There Delays and Cancellations?

The weather conditions, primarily the heavy snow, blowing snow, and ongoing runway maintenance, led to the flight delays and cancellations. At Detroit, the snow accumulation forced runways to close in intervals for plowing, with snow clearing teams working continuously throughout the day. The FAA also reported that chemical treatments were applied to prevent ice bonding, which further constrained airport capacity.

In addition to the weather, visibility played a critical role in grounding flights. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Wind Advisory for the region, with gusts of up to 50 mph, creating whiteout conditions that made it dangerous to maintain operations without further delays.

Where Were the Disruptions Felt the Most?

The storm’s impact was most acutely felt in Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York, and Boston.

1. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW): As the primary hub for Delta Air Lines, Detroit was one of the hardest-hit airports. The Ground Delay Program that lasted through the evening aimed to manage the surge in delayed flights caused by the ongoing snowstorm. The snow squalls and runway maintenance operations severely reduced the airport’s capacity to handle traffic.
2. Chicago O’Hare (ORD): Chicago, another major hub, experienced terminal constraints due to wind gusts and low visibility. Although delays improved by the afternoon, the NWS warned that additional snow showers could trigger more disruptions throughout the day. Despite improvements, the risk of further cancellations remained, particularly due to ongoing weather conditions.
3. Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP): Minneapolis was buried under nearly 8 inches of snow over the weekend, causing lingering delays on Monday. Although the FAA’s GDP expired at midnight, there were still lingering impacts on regional flights as airlines repositioned aircraft. Delta and Sun Country, which operate major services out of MSP, saw delays for some smaller regional destinations like Rochester and Cedar Rapids.
4. New York’s Airports (JFK, LGA): The storm’s eastward shift created potential risks for airports in New York, with the FAA warning of possible ground stops due to low ceilings and snow/rain mix. Travelers flying from New York were advised to check for flight updates regularly, as the storm could disrupt operations.
5. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): In Boston, de-icing operations were active throughout the day, which added to flight delays. Snow and low visibility caused ongoing disruptions, and travelers were advised to expect extended wait times for takeoffs.

How Did Airports Respond to the Disruption?

Airports across the affected regions scrambled to manage the growing backlog of delayed and canceled flights. In Detroit, the FAA’s ground delay program ran through the evening, with the focus on managing traffic flow and preventing further congestion. The airport also worked to clear snow from runways and taxiways while applying chemical treatments to ensure ice didn’t accumulate.

In Chicago, although most flights resumed by the afternoon, delays were still present due to ongoing weather conditions. The FAA’s National Airspace System (NAS) provided real-time updates on the operational status of the airport, helping travelers stay informed about potential disruptions.

Similarly, Minneapolis had to focus on clearing snow from the tarmac and reestablishing flight schedules that had been impacted by the earlier storms. As for New York and Boston, these airports were bracing for further disruptions as the storm moved eastward. Ground stops and de-icing operations were actively managed to ensure safety and minimize delays.

Travel Recovery: What’s Next for Travelers?

By the morning of December 30, the storm’s effects were beginning to stabilize, though the situation remained fluid. The FAA reported that while the worst of the storm had passed for airports in the Midwest, travelers should still prepare for residual delays.

1. Detroit: The situation at DTW was stabilizing, but residual delays were still in effect due to earlier disruptions. Travelers were advised to monitor their flight status through their airline’s app or the FAA’s NAS status updates.
2. Chicago: Delays had dropped from 82 minutes to just 15 minutes on average, though the National Weather Service warned of possible lake-effect snow showers that could trigger further delays.
3. Minneapolis: Recovery was well underway, with most early morning flights running on time. However, some smaller regional flights were still facing cancellations as the airlines worked to reposition aircraft.
4. New York and Boston: These airports were facing continued risks, with ground stops and delays possible if visibility dropped further. De-icing operations remained active, and travelers were advised to check real-time updates before heading to the airport.

Conclusion:

Winter Storm Devin has caused significant disruptions for air travelers, particularly in Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York, and Boston. With ground delays, cancellations, and airport capacity challenges, the storm has been a major hurdle for air travel across the United States. While airports are beginning to recover, travelers are advised to stay informed through real-time updates and monitor for potential further disruptions as the storm transitions eastward.

For those traveling in the coming days, patience and preparation will be key to navigating this challenging weather event. It’s important to check flight status frequently, ensure you have adequate time for de-icing procedures, and remain alert for any further alerts from the FAA or your airline.

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