Shares of United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways fell on 23 February 2026 as a powerful winter blizzard swept across the U.S. Northeast, forcing airlines to cancel more than 9,000 flights and largely shutting down major airport hubs.
Heavy snowfall, high winds, and poor visibility disrupted operations at New York’s JFK and LaGuardia airports, Newark Liberty International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport. Several states declared emergencies and imposed travel restrictions as the storm intensified.
The widespread flight suspensions rippled through airline networks nationwide, prompting travel waivers and operational slowdowns while markets reacted to the scale of disruption. The storm, described by some forecasters as a rapidly intensifying winter system, also knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses across parts of the Northeast, compounding transport challenges.
Air travel grinds to a halt across the Northeast
Airlines canceled more than 10,000 flights during the storm’s peak, with the heaviest concentration in the Northeast corridor. Airport authorities reported near-total shutdowns at several hubs as crews worked to clear runways and manage aircraft de-icing operations amid persistent snowfall.
Cancellations exceeded 9,000 flights as conditions deteriorated through Monday, while thousands of additional departures were delayed across the U.S. Airlines issued flexible rebooking policies for affected travelers, citing crew positioning challenges and aircraft congestion caused by the weather.
Beyond air travel, road closures and temporary travel bans were imposed in several counties to allow emergency services and snowplows to operate safely. Rail services along busy intercity routes also experienced delays and temporary suspensions as snow accumulation and high winds disrupted schedules.
Airline and travel stocks slide amid disruption
Financial markets reflected investor concern over the operational and revenue impact of the storm. Barron’s reported United Airlines shares dropped about 5.1%, American Airlines fell roughly 4.9%, Delta Air Lines declined around 3.7%, and JetBlue Airways slid about 3.9% during Monday trading. Southwest Airlines shares also moved lower in the 2% to 3% range.
Travel technology and accommodation platforms faced similar pressure. Expedia shares fell about 8%, while Airbnb declined between 4% and 6% as the blizzard curtailed travel demand and disrupted mobility across the Northeast.
Airlines continue recovery efforts as weather conditions gradually improve, though lingering snow and ice are expected to slow the return to full schedules at several congested airports. Industry analysts warned that knock-on delays could persist for days as crews and aircraft are repositioned and passenger backlogs are cleared.
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