A sudden flight freeze across the Hawaiian Islands on July 29–30, 2025, left thousands of travelers stranded in airports and emergency shelters. The freeze followed a statewide tsunami warning, causing the largest disruption to air travel in Hawaii in recent years.
All major airports, including Honolulu, Maui, Kona, Kauai, and Hilo, suspended inbound and outbound flights after the tsunami warning was issued. By 8 p.m. on July 29, Honolulu Airport alone reported over 110 delayed or canceled flights. Maui saw more than 50 disruptions, Kona had 34, Lihue 26, and Hilo 15. Airlines such as Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest, Alaska, Delta, United, and American were all affected. Some planes heading to Hawaii were diverted or turned back mid-flight.
Travelers already at the airports had to seek shelter, as no flights could land or take off. Emergency shelters opened across the islands for both stranded travelers and residents moving to higher ground due to the tsunami threat. The Hawaii State Civil Defense coordinated these shelter operations and shared safety updates.
Although the tsunami warning was lifted early on July 30, flight operations remain disrupted. Airlines are still working to reposition planes and crews, so delays and cancellations continue. Both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines have issued flexible travel waivers. These waivers let affected passengers rebook or cancel flights for free through at least August 3, 2025. Passengers should check their flight status before heading to the airport, as schedules can change quickly.
Hawaiian Airlines’ travel waiver covers flights to and from Oahu, Kona, Kauai, and Maui between July 29–30. Passengers can reschedule at no extra cost, as long as they travel by August 3, 2025, and rebook by July 29, 2025. Alaska Airlines has a similar policy for all major Hawaiian airports. For help, travelers can call Hawaiian Airlines at 1-800-367-5320 or use their website. Those who booked through travel agents should contact them directly.
The flight freeze has hit travelers, airlines, and the tourism industry hard. Many people spent the night in airports or emergency shelters, with hotels quickly filling up. Airlines face big challenges moving planes and crews, and the effects are expected to last for several days. The tourism industry is already seeing lost bookings and canceled tours, with more losses likely during the busy summer season. Local residents also face problems, as interisland travel for medical, business, or family reasons is disrupted.
Experts say Hawaii’s location and limited airport options make it especially vulnerable to events like this. Emergency management teams acted quickly, but some say better communication and planning are needed for future mass stranding events. Tourism leaders worry about the state’s reputation and call for more support.
Flight freeze begins due to tsunami warning
Honolulu Airport reports over 110 delayed or canceled flights
Tsunami warning lifted
Expected end of delays as airlines restore normal travel
Deadline for rebooking under travel waivers
Travelers should:
– Check flight status on airline websites before leaving for the airport
– Use travel waivers to rebook or cancel flights at no extra cost
– Contact airlines directly for help
– Follow local emergency instructions for shelter locations
For official updates, visit the Hawaii State Civil Defense website. As reported by VisaVerge.com, airlines and state officials are working to restore normal travel, but delays may last through August 2, 2025.
Learn Today
Tsunami Warning → An alert signaling a possible tsunami that requires immediate evacuation and safety precautions.
Travel Waiver → A policy allowing passengers to change or cancel flights without fees under special conditions.
Flight Freeze → A temporary halt on all airplane arrivals and departures at airports.
Emergency Shelter → A designated safe location providing protection to displaced people during disasters.
Civil Defense → Government agency coordinating disaster response, public safety, and emergency management efforts.
This Article in a Nutshell
A tsunami warning on July 29–30, 2025, halted all flights in Hawaii, stranding travelers. Airlines issued waivers, and emergency shelters opened as the state copes with major travel disruptions and ongoing delays through early August.
— By VisaVerge.com
