Severe weather forces Delta to cancel hundreds of flights in Atlanta

On June 27, 2025, severe thunderstorms caused significant disruptions at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, the busiest airport in the United States. These intense storms brought with them damaging hail and microburst winds, leading to flight cancellations and diversions across the Southeast. Reports indicated that nearly 400 flights were canceled, primarily affecting Delta Airlines, which operates a substantial number of its flights from this hub. The flight disruptions commenced just before 8 p.m. and severely impacted travel plans for countless passengers. The storms also resulted in a temporary ground stop at the airport, halting all incoming and outgoing flights. This was necessitated by the hazardous weather conditions and included the brief evacuation of personnel from the air traffic control tower due to strong winds. Fortunately, air traffic controllers remained present in reduced numbers to manage the ongoing air traffic while ensuring safety protocols were upheld. Delta Airlines reported that approximately 90 flights were diverted to other airports as a consequence of the storm. The airline's operations were further complicated by the need to inspect around 100 aircraft for any potential hail damage. Delta technicians worked through the night to complete thorough inspections of the exposed aircraft. By Saturday morning, most of these aircraft were cleared and returned to service, but the cancellations and delays continued to ripple through the air travel schedule. The repercussions from the extreme weather extended into Saturday, with Delta anticipating additional delays and cancellations as flight crews and aircraft were being reset post-inspection and recovery efforts. The combination of severe weather, flash flooding, and heavy rainfall that struck the Atlanta area further emphasized the vulnerability of air travel during unpredictable weather events.