Flights were cancelled at Memphis Airport on Sunday, 15 March 2026, as a severe weather system moved across the Mid-South, bringing strong winds, thunderstorms and the risk of tornadoes to the region.
Airlines cancelled several departures and arrivals in advance of the storm to reduce operational disruptions and ensure passenger safety. The cancellations affected both local travelers and connecting passengers using the airport.
The disruptions occurred as meteorologists warned that a powerful storm system would reach the Memphis area Sunday afternoon. The weather threat was part of a larger multi-state system that caused widespread flight disruptions across the United States, including delays and cancellations at several major airports.
Storm system disrupts air travel across the Mid-South
The severe weather threat in the Memphis region included damaging winds and the potential for tornado activity. Airlines often cancel flights ahead of storms to prevent aircraft and crew from becoming stranded and to allow schedules to recover more quickly once conditions improve.
Flight disruptions at Memphis International Airport occurred as the storm system moved across several parts of the country. In northern states, the same weather system produced heavy snow and strong winds, while southern states faced severe thunderstorms.
Across the United States, the storm caused significant disruption to airline schedules. More than 1,600 flights were cancelled and approximately 7,700 flights were delayed nationwide as the system moved eastward.
The widespread impact affected multiple aviation hubs, including airports in Chicago, New York, Atlanta and Kansas City. Airlines adjusted operations throughout the day as weather conditions evolved.
If you are planning to travel from Memphis Airport, here are some precautions you should take.
- Check directly with your airline to monitor schedule updates
- Consider checking in online prior to arriving at the airport to expedite the process
- Visit flymemphis.com/flight-status for real-time scheduling updates
Airport operations and travel outlook
Memphis International Airport serves as an important regional aviation gateway in the Mid-South and handles both passenger flights and large-scale cargo operations. The airport is also home to one of the world’s largest cargo hubs through FedEx Express operations.
Passenger airlines operating at Memphis include Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines. The airport functions as a regional connection point for travelers moving between the southern United States and other domestic destinations.
Operational disruptions caused by severe weather can affect aircraft schedules across airline networks. When flights are cancelled at one airport, the impact can ripple through multiple cities as aircraft rotations and crew assignments are adjusted.
Airlines typically restore normal schedules gradually once weather conditions stabilize. However, delays and schedule adjustments can continue for several hours or longer after storms pass.
Travelers departing from Memphis or connecting through the airport were advised to check airline notifications and flight status updates as operations resumed following the storm system. Airport officials and airlines continue monitoring weather conditions across the Mid-South as the system moves further east.
