USA – Over 2,000 flights were canceled and thousands more delayed on the morning of March 16, 2026, as bad weather combined with aviation security staffing shortages plunged many major U.S. airports into severe congestion.

According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the national aviation system recorded over 9,500 delays throughout the day as airport congestion became increasingly complex.

Flight operations were suspended at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport, while George Bush Intercontinental Airport recorded widespread flight delays.

Photos from the Atlanta airport showed passengers in long queues at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints, with many sitting or lying on the floor while flights were grounded.

Bad weather is expected to continue affecting many areas of the U.S. on March 16, as a strong storm system moves through the Midwest and Northeast.

Aviation officials warned that delays and cancellations could continue throughout the day if weather conditions do not improve.

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