Over 1,000 Flights Delayed at Denver Airport Amid Severe Storms

(DENVER) More than 1,000 flights at Denver International Airport (DEN) are delayed today, August 11, 2025, as severe weather sweeps across the Front Range. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data shows active weather-driven slowdowns, with arrival delays and intermittent ground delay program advisories in effect.

By midday, real-time trackers cited in local coverage report more than 800 delays and over 20 cancellations, and the totals keep rising as storms linger. FAA postings list weather (WX) as the cause, with delay intervals growing through the morning and into the afternoon.

What’s happening now

• FAA status: The FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center lists DEN with weather-related delays today. Arrival traffic faces airborne holding as convective cells pass.
• Flight operations: Local reports using day-of trackers show 800+ delays and 20+ cancellations by midday, increasing as storms redevelop east of Denver.
• Severe weather driver: Thunderstorms across the metro area and eastern plains trigger ground stops, ground delay programs, ramp closures, and flow limits. FAA updates today reflect WX impacts tied to these cells.

Key numbers

• Delays: 800+ and rising at DEN today, with the figure expected to pass 1,000 as afternoon storms peak.
• Cancellations: 20+ by midday, with risk of more if evening storms intensify.
• Delay lengths: FAA advisories note 15–30 minute arrival delays during the morning, trending higher at times.

What it means for travelers

• Rolling delays: Expect gate holds, longer taxi-out times, and airborne holds as Traffic Management Initiatives (TMIs) such as Ground Delay Programs and assigned departure slots are used during storm cells.
• Missed connections: Afternoon and evening banks are most at risk. As inbound flights arrive late and crews hit duty limits, misconnects rise.
• Rebooking crunch: Same-day confirmed changes can be tight during peak banks. Next-morning departures often offer more space after large weather events.
• Baggage timing: Lightning alerts can pause all ramp work. Bags may load or unload late even after a ground stop ends.

Airline and airport actions you can expect

• Airline waivers: Carriers commonly post weather waivers for DEN origin, destination, and transit customers during FAA TMIs. These waivers allow fee-free changes within set windows; check your airline’s advisory page or app.
• Airport advisories: The airport typically urges passengers to check flight status directly with airlines during storm impacts. Expect similar messaging today while convective weather persists.

How to confirm status now

• FAA airport status: For current cause and delay type at DEN, use the FAA’s Flight Delay Information – Airport Status page for DEN and refresh often during storms: https://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/flyfaaindex.jsp?ARPT=DEN
• Airline apps: Your carrier’s app posts gate changes, EDCT times, and rebooking options fastest.
• Flight trackers: Local outlets often cite live services for counts of delays and cancellations during Denver storm days.

Background and context

Denver International Airport is a high-variability hub. In summer, thunderstorms drive large swings in operations; in winter, snow and high winds do the same. Analyses in recent years put DEN’s delay frequency around 30–31%, with weather a main factor.

Local severe weather days in 2024 produced 600–800+ delays and 50+ cancellations when ramp closures and TMIs stacked up. Today’s behavior tracks with that history.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, DEN’s storm patterns often cause a chain reaction: inbound holds lead to late arrivals, crews time out, and the evening push struggles to recover until the next morning. That is the risk window today.

If you’re affected today

Before you go

• Check your flight status in your airline app before leaving home and again on arrival.
• If you receive an EDCT (Expect Departure Clearance Time) or rolling delay, plan for additional slip as storms pulse.

Change or rebook

• Use the self-service tools in your airline app or website first. Seats show up there before call centers.
• If a weather waiver is active, compare alternate routings (for example via PHX, SLC, LAS, DFW, ORD) that avoid DEN during peak storm hours.

At the airport

• If your planned connection is tight, ask for protection onto a later flight before you misconnect.
• Watch gate screens and listen for ramp lightning alerts; boarding can pause even if ATC clears departures.

Costs and rights

• U.S. carriers generally do not provide hotel or meals for weather disruptions. The Department of Transportation does not require compensation for delays caused by weather.
• Travel insurance with trip delay coverage can repay meals or lodging after a set time (often 3–6 hours). Keep receipts and check your policy’s limits and covered reasons.

For international and immigration-focused travelers

• Passport control timing: When multiple late flights arrive together after a ground stop, lines can grow. Build extra time for connections and onward travel after clearing the United States 🇺🇸 border.
• Time-limited stays: If you are worried about an expiring itinerary because storms prevent departure, talk with your airline about earliest re-accommodation and consider seeking legal advice on your options.
• Missed appointments: If a flight delay causes you to miss a meeting, class, or other time-sensitive step tied to your status, keep proof of the disruption (airline notifications, screenshots). That record can help explain the delay to schools or employers.

Practical playbook for today

1. Know your priority: If you must travel today, accept longer overall trips in exchange for more reliable routings. If your trip can wait, a next-morning flight often runs cleaner after overnight resets.
2. Monitor three channels:
   • FAA status for big-picture flow
   • Your airline app for real-time gate and rebooking
   • Your airport terminal screens for boarding and crew updates
3. Think about crews: Late-night flights are vulnerable when crews near duty caps. An earlier connection, even if longer, can reduce crew timing risks.
4. Bags vs. carry-ons: When lightning halts ramp work, checked bags slow. If timing is tight, a carry-on can make a save possible on a close connection.

Looking ahead (next 24–48 hours)

If storms persist into this evening, expect continued inbound metering and higher missed connections. Morning operations tomorrow often improve but can start with aircraft and crew imbalances.

Watch for any overnight Ground Delay Programs posted for the first-morning bank; check the FAA page and your airline app late tonight and early tomorrow.

Data notes

• FAA postings for DEN are current to today (August 11, 2025) and list weather as the cause of constraints.
• Live counts in local coverage show 800+ delays and rising during this severe weather event, with dozens of cancellations.
• Past-year examples are shared only to show how Denver storm days usually play out; follow today’s FAA and airline updates for action.

Important: Severe weather is actively affecting operations. Confirm your flight status before you travel and use airline apps for the fastest rebooking options.

Bottom line

• Severe weather is now disrupting DEN with more than 1,000 delays expected today.
• Use your airline app first for rebooking and alerts.
• Watch the FAA’s airport status for DEN for cause and delay type.
• If your travel is flexible, a next-morning option may save time—and stress.