Severe Storm Causes Widespread Flight Delays and Cancellations at SFO
San Francisco International Airport saw a surge in flight delays and cancellations as a severe storm with damaging winds swept through the region. Hundreds of departures and arrivals were impacted, causing significant disruption for air passengers and airlines. Travelers are advised to monitor their flight status as operational challenges unfold at SFO due to adverse weather conditions.
All airlines
All countries
No Win, No Fee
San Francisco International Airport faced major operational challenges as a powerful storm system moved through the Bay Area, accompanied by damaging winds. The adverse weather caused extensive disruptions at the airport, resulting in a large number of flight delays and cancellations.
Airport officials reported that hundreds of flights were affected, impacting both departing and arriving services. The ongoing storm not only caused delays but also forced airlines to cancel numerous scheduled flights, stranding travelers and creating long wait times in terminals. Passengers are experiencing widespread travel interruptions, with many forced to rebook or alter their plans at short notice.
The scale of the disruption highlights the vulnerability of air travel to severe weather events. Airlines and airport crews are working to manage the changing situation, but travelers are being advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates on departures and arrivals. With damaging winds predicted to persist, further delays and cancellations remain possible until conditions improve.
Authorities encourage passengers to allow extra time for travel, stay updated through official channels, and remain patient while operational teams address the weather-related backlog. No specific airlines or exact totals for affected flights and passengers were disclosed in the initial reports.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights:
Sometimes it’s not immediately clear whether your flight qualifies for compensation. When the cause of the delay or cancellation is uncertain, the following general rights still apply.
Your right to care, rebooking, or refund is always guaranteed under EC 261, UK 261, ANAC 400, SHY-PASSENGER, GACA, and the Montreal Convention.
Whether you qualify for monetary compensation depends on the reason for the disruption — this can take time for authorities or the airline to confirm.
Causes like technical faults, crew issues, or operational errors usually make your flight eligible.
However, weather conditions, security threats, or air-traffic restrictions often fall under extraordinary circumstances, which may exempt airlines from paying compensation.
Tip: Keep all travel documents and receipts. You may later prove that your case qualifies for compensation.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, you are entitled to a new flight or a refund.
Care and assistance
If your flight is delayed by more than two to four hours, your airline must provide food and drink vouchers.
Accommodation
For overnight delays, airlines must provide hotel stays and transfers, regardless of whether compensation applies.
Communication
You have the right to two phone calls or emails during extended waiting times.
Quick facts
Disruption:
Delays and Cancellations
Cause:
Weather issue
Compensation:
Not eligible for compensation
Status:
Current disruption
Airports affected:
San Francisco International Airport
Checked by:
Matteo Floris
Date updated:
29 December 2025