Atlanta Airport Hit by Over 400 Flight Cancellations After Hailstorm Forces Tower Evacuation and Aircraft Inspections

Over 400 flights were canceled at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Saturday following a night of intense storms and hail. In total, 478 flights were canceled and 617 delayed due to the severe weather. The impact of the overnight storm system caused significant operational challenges at one of the busiest airports in the world, disrupting both incoming and outgoing air traffic.

Delta Leads Cancellations Nationwide as Storms Disrupt Major Airline Hubs Across U.S.

Delta Air Lines, which operates a major hub in Atlanta, experienced the most disruption. Across the U.S., Delta reported 542 cancellations and 684 delays on Saturday alone. The airline stated that it expects continued disruptions as crews and aircraft recover from Friday’s storms. Around 100 Delta planes were inspected overnight for hail damage, and nearly all had returned to service by Saturday. The airline acknowledged the delays and thanked passengers for their patience.

The severe weather not only affected Atlanta but also had a ripple effect across the nation. American Airlines canceled 223 flights on Saturday, citing recovery efforts from Friday’s weather-related disruptions at Reagan National, Charlotte, and Dallas-Fort Worth. The storms’ wide-reaching impact highlights how weather conditions at one major hub can affect air travel throughout the country.

Severe Storms Force Diversions, Tower Evacuation, and Ongoing Aircraft Safety Inspections

According to Delta, the storms that struck Atlanta included microburst winds and quarter-inch hail, forcing over 90 flight diversions to other southeastern U.S. airports. Operations at Hartsfield-Jackson came to a halt on Friday evening for safety reasons. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the air traffic control tower at the airport was briefly evacuated due to strong winds, although a minimal team remained to maintain critical operations.

Delta continues to inspect aircraft for any remaining signs of hail damage. The airline emphasized that its teams are working “safely and quickly” to recover from the disruption. Controllers were heard in ATC recordings explaining the evacuation to pilots and confirming that only three essential personnel remained in the tower during the storm. As airlines work to restore normal operations, passengers are advised to stay updated on their flight status.