A powerful storm system brought heavy rain and widespread travel disruptions to North Texas, forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and causing significant delays across the region.

The Federal Aviation Administration imposed a ground stop at DFW as severe weather moved across the area, and a ground-delay program was also introduced. By Thursday afternoon, October 1, more than 1,100 delays and over 300 cancellations had been reported at the airport, according to FlightAware.

300+

Cancellations at DFW

1,100+

Delays at DFW

Up to ~6 in.

Rainfall in Some Locations

Ground Stop

Imposed by the FAA

How the Disruption Grew on Thursday, October 1

FlightAware Data
  • MorningDFW had recorded more than 150 cancellations. A large share involved Envoy Air and PSA Airlines, regional carriers affiliated with American Airlines. American also canceled dozens of mainline flights, while hundreds of additional flights were delayed.
  • During the stormThe FAA imposed a ground stop at DFW and introduced a ground-delay program, with delays expected to continue as thunderstorms and heavy rainfall affected operations.
  • AfternoonThe disruption had grown considerably, with more than 1,100 delays and over 300 cancellations reported at DFW.

Airlines Most Affected

A large share of the canceled flights involved Envoy Air and PSA Airlines, regional carriers affiliated with American Airlines. American also canceled dozens of mainline flights.

Dallas Love Field

Love Field, the main base for Southwest Airlines, initially experienced fewer disruptions, reporting a smaller number of cancellations and delays. Weather-related restrictions also affected operations there, and by Thursday afternoon the airport was dealing with hundreds of delays.

A Slow-Moving Storm Over North Texas

The flight disruptions came as a slow-moving storm system dumped heavy rain across North Texas and increased the threat of flash flooding. The system was fueled by moisture moving north from Mexico and interacting with additional moisture over Texas.

Several areas in the Dallas-Fort Worth region received multiple inches of rain, with some locations approaching six inches. The National Weather Service warned that continued rainfall could produce flooding in low-lying areas, creeks and roadways.

What Travelers Should Know

  • Airlines advised passengers to check their flight status before traveling to the airport.
  • Allow for possible flooding on roads in low-lying areas when traveling to DFW or Love Field.

With more rain forecast across parts of North Texas, officials warned that flooding and additional travel disruptions could continue into Friday, October 2.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

According to FlightAware, more than 150 flights had been canceled by the morning of Thursday, October 1. By the afternoon, the total had risen to over 300 cancellations.

By Thursday afternoon, DFW had recorded more than 1,100 delays, according to FlightAware.

A large share of cancellations involved Envoy Air and PSA Airlines, regional carriers affiliated with American Airlines. American also canceled dozens of mainline flights.

Yes. The FAA imposed a ground stop at DFW as severe weather moved across the area, and also introduced a ground-delay program.

A ground stop temporarily holds flights bound for an airport at their departure points. A ground-delay program assigns departure delays to inbound flights so that arrivals match the airport’s reduced capacity.

Love Field initially experienced fewer disruptions than DFW, but weather-related restrictions also affected operations there. By Thursday afternoon, it was dealing with hundreds of delays.

Several areas received multiple inches of rain, with some locations approaching six inches.

A slow-moving storm system was fueled by moisture moving north from Mexico and interacting with additional moisture over Texas.

Possibly. With more rain forecast across parts of North Texas, officials warned that flooding and additional travel disruptions could continue into Friday, October 2.

Airlines advised passengers to check their flight status before traveling to the airport, as weather conditions continued to affect schedules.