Slow-moving storms have impacted travel to, from and within the United States with 5,000+ flight delays and 800+ cancellations only on Monday, 14 July 2025 across US airports, Aviation Today reports. Airlines serving the Dominican Republic, included American, United, Delta, JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, have canceled or rebooked thousands of flights citing weather disruptions. The situation has impacted both international and domestic operations in the United States and is worsened because summer is the peak travel time of the year.
Weather forecasters say the storm activity is likely to impact flights through Wednesday, 16 July. Meteorologists have forecast continued storm activity along the USA’s East Coast and Midwest at least through Tuesday, 15 July, increasing the likelihood of further disruptions.
Passengers with travel plans this week need to check their flight status before leaving for the airport and allow for additional time at the airport. Passengers are advised to stay updated through airline apps, official airport websites, and the FAA’s real-time flight status portal.
The USA Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that weather-related traffic management initiatives were in place at multiple locations, including Newark Liberty International (EWR), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), the two most important gateways to the United States from the Dominican Republic. These include ground delay programs and flow restrictions to safely manage the volume of aircraft during active thunderstorms and low-visibility conditions.
In addition, ground stops were temporarily imposed in parts of Florida, including Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, as the storm system extended into the Southeast.
Aviation Today reports that data from the US Department of Transportation indicates that travel volumes in July 2025 are trending above pre-pandemic levels, making the impact of operational disruptions more severe for both airlines and travelers.
Affected passengers are generally not entitled to hotel or flight compensation given that the flights have been cancelled for severe weather conditions that the airline has no control over. Weather conditions are considered as an “extraordinary circumstance” in aviation regulations. Passengers are entitled to assistance with rebooking or refunds.
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Punta Cana International (PUJ)
Aviation Today
CNN Traveler
Flight Right
15 July 2025