MSY Flight Cancellations Disrupt Holiday Travel Plans in June 2025

Key Takeaways

• Multiple flight cancellations at MSY began June 28, disrupting holiday weekend travel plans.
• Runway maintenance ended mid-June; no official link to current flight cancellations.
• From June 2021 to June 2022, MSY had 2,445 canceled flights, a 5% cancellation rate.

Travelers flying through Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) are facing a wave of flight cancellations that is disrupting holiday plans for thousands. As of June 28, 2025, multiple flights scheduled to depart from MSY have been canceled, causing widespread inconvenience during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. The cancellations affect both people leaving New Orleans and those arriving, with many left scrambling for alternatives. Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and what travelers can do right now.

What’s Happening at MSY?

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) has seen a significant number of flight cancellations starting June 28, 2025. These disruptions come right at the start of a major holiday weekend, a time when airports are usually packed with families, tourists, and business travelers. While the airport itself remains open and fully operational 24 hours a day, the sudden spike in canceled flights has caught many by surprise.

Airport officials have not released a full list of affected airlines or flight numbers. However, reports show that the majority of canceled flights were scheduled for the holiday weekend. This means that both people trying to leave New Orleans and those coming into the city are being affected.

Why Are Flights Being Canceled?

The exact reasons for the current wave of cancellations at MSY have not been officially confirmed. Earlier in June, the airport closed its north-south runway for scheduled maintenance, shifting all operations to the east-west runway. This maintenance started on June 4 and lasted about 12 days, wrapping up by mid-June. Airport spokesperson Erin Burns stated that these repairs were routine and not expected to impact flight schedules.

As of now, there is no official indication that the runway maintenance is directly linked to the current cancellations. No new policy changes or announcements have been made by airport management regarding the cancellations. The airport’s administrative offices remain open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and the airport itself operates around the clock.

How Bad Is the Situation? Key Numbers and Trends

While the airport has not published exact numbers for this holiday period, historical data gives some perspective:

• From June 2021 to June 2022, MSY had 2,445 canceled flights, which is about a 5% cancellation rate. This is one of the highest percentages among airports in the United States 🇺🇸.
• Delays are also common: In the same period, 10,858 flights (22.6%) were delayed.
• Airlines most affected: Historically, Southwest Airlines has had the highest number of cancellations at MSY, followed by American, Delta, and United.

These numbers show that while MSY is not the airport with the most total cancellations, it does have a higher-than-average rate of flights being canceled or delayed.

Who Is Affected by the Cancellations?

Passengers

The most obvious impact is on travelers. Many people have seen their holiday plans thrown into chaos. Some have missed connecting flights, while others have had to cancel or delay vacations, family visits, or business trips. The sudden cancellations have also led to a rush for alternative flights, rental cars, and even bus or train tickets.

Airlines

Airlines are under pressure to help stranded passengers. In past disruptions, airlines like Delta and Southwest have offered flexible rebooking and fee waivers. However, during busy periods like holidays, finding available seats on other flights can be difficult. Airlines must also manage customer service calls, process refunds, and handle the logistics of rebooking large numbers of travelers.

Airport Management

The airport’s main job is to keep operations running smoothly and communicate with airlines and passengers. During disruptions, airport staff must handle increased questions and complaints, while also working with airlines to minimize delays and cancellations.

Local Community

Residents living near MSY have noticed changes too. During the earlier runway closure, planes used different flight paths, leading to more noise in some neighborhoods. Increased traffic around the airport is also common during busy travel periods.

What Should Travelers Do If Their Flight Is Canceled?

If you’re flying through MSY and your flight is canceled, here are the steps you should take:

1. Check Your Flight Status: Go to your airline’s official website or the MSY airport website for the latest updates.
2. Contact Your Airline: If your flight is canceled, reach out to your airline directly. Most airlines offer help through their websites, mobile apps, or customer service phone lines.
3. Rebooking: Airlines often let you rebook on the next available flight at no extra cost, but seats may be limited, especially during holidays.
4. Refunds or Credits: If you can’t rebook, ask for a refund or a travel credit for future use. Airlines are required to offer refunds for canceled flights if you choose not to travel.
5. Look for Alternatives: If you need to travel urgently, check for flights from nearby airports or consider ground transportation options like buses, trains, or rental cars.
6. Stay Informed: Sign up for real-time updates from your airline and the airport. This will help you react quickly if there are more changes.

Tip: Keep all receipts and records of your travel expenses. If you have travel insurance, check if it covers extra costs due to cancellations.

What Are Airlines Doing to Help?

While no official statements have been released by airlines about the June 2025 cancellations, past experience shows that most major airlines respond to mass cancellations by:

• Offering flexible rebooking: You can usually change your flight to a later date without paying extra fees.
• Providing refunds or travel credits: If you decide not to travel, you can often get your money back or a credit for future use.
• Waiving change fees: During large disruptions, airlines often drop their usual fees for changing flights.

Travelers should check their airline’s website for the latest policies and contact customer service if they need help.

Why Do Cancellations Happen at MSY?

Aviation experts say that flight cancellations during busy times can be caused by several things:

• Weather: Storms, heavy rain, or fog can make it unsafe to fly.
• Staffing shortages: Not enough pilots, flight attendants, or ground crew can lead to canceled flights.
• Air traffic control: If the airspace is crowded or there are technical problems, flights may be delayed or canceled.
• Maintenance: Routine repairs or unexpected problems with runways or equipment can disrupt schedules.

MSY has a history of a higher-than-average cancellation rate. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this is partly due to its location in a region prone to storms and the fact that it is a hub for several major airlines.

How Do These Cancellations Affect Immigration and International Travelers?

For international travelers, flight cancellations at MSY can have extra consequences:

• Missed connections: Many international travelers connect through MSY to other U.S. cities or fly from MSY to destinations abroad. Cancellations can cause missed connections, which may lead to problems with visas or entry requirements in other countries.
• Visa deadlines: Some travelers have strict visa expiration dates or must attend immigration interviews in other cities. Delays or cancellations can cause them to miss important appointments.
• Rebooking challenges: International flights are often less frequent than domestic ones, making it harder to find alternative flights quickly.

Travelers with immigration concerns should contact their airline and, if needed, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for advice. The official CBP website provides up-to-date information on entry requirements and procedures.

What Can Be Done to Reduce the Impact?

Here are some practical tips for travelers to reduce the risk of being stranded:

• Book early flights: Morning flights are less likely to be canceled or delayed.
• Allow extra time: If you have a connecting flight, leave plenty of time between flights.
• Sign up for alerts: Most airlines and airports offer free text or email alerts about flight status.
• Have a backup plan: Know your options for alternative airports or ground transportation.

What Are the Broader Implications?

For Travelers

The main impact is frustration, lost time, and sometimes extra costs. Travelers may need to pay for hotels, meals, or new tickets if they are stranded. Those with tight schedules, such as people attending weddings, business meetings, or immigration appointments, can face serious problems.

For Airlines

Airlines must spend more on customer service, refunds, and rebooking. They also risk losing customer trust if cancellations happen too often.

For the Airport

MSY’s reputation can suffer if cancellations are frequent. The airport must work closely with airlines to improve reliability and keep passengers informed.

For the Local Community

More noise and traffic can affect people living near the airport, especially when flight paths change due to runway closures.

What’s Next for MSY?

Short-Term Outlook

The current wave of cancellations may continue through the holiday weekend. Travelers should expect possible further disruptions and limited options for rebooking. It’s wise to check flight status often and be ready for last-minute changes.

Long-Term Outlook

No major policy changes or new construction projects are planned for the near future. The airport continues to expand its services and maintain its facilities. MSY will also host the 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference through July 2, 2025, which may bring more people to the airport but is not expected to cause more flight cancellations.

Official Resources and Contact Information

If you need help or more information, here are some useful contacts:

• MSY Airport:
  • Website: flymsy.com
  • Phone: 504-303-7500
  • Address: 1 Terminal Drive, Kenner, LA 70062
  • Administrative Office Hours: 8 AM–5 PM, Monday–Friday
• Airlines:
  • Visit your airline’s website for details on rebooking and refund policies.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
  • For air traffic updates and notices: faa.gov
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):
  • For entry and immigration information: cbp.gov/travel

Summary Table: Key Facts

Final Takeaways and Practical Guidance

If you are traveling through Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) during this holiday period, check your flight status often, contact your airline as soon as possible if your flight is canceled, and be ready to consider alternative travel options. Keep all your travel documents and receipts, and don’t hesitate to ask for refunds or travel credits if you are affected.

For international travelers, pay special attention to visa deadlines and entry requirements. If you miss a connecting flight or appointment, contact the relevant authorities right away for advice.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, MSY’s higher-than-average cancellation rate means that travelers should always have a backup plan, especially during busy times. By staying informed and prepared, you can reduce the stress and disruption caused by unexpected flight cancellations.

For the latest updates, visit the official MSY airport website and your airline’s site. If you have immigration or customs questions, the CBP travel page is a reliable resource.

Travel disruptions are never easy, but with the right information and quick action, you can get back on track as smoothly as possible.

Learn Today

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) → Main airport serving New Orleans, Louisiana, with significant flight traffic and cancellations.
Flight Cancellation → The process where an airline terminates a scheduled flight, impacting travel plans.
Runway Maintenance → Scheduled repairs or upkeep on airport runways to ensure safety and operation.
Rebooking → Rescheduling a flight after cancellation or disruption, often offered by airlines without extra fees.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) → Government agency managing immigration, customs, and border security for international travelers.

This Article in a Nutshell

Flight cancellations at Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport disrupt thousands during a key holiday weekend. While maintenance ended earlier, the cause remains unclear. Travelers should check flight statuses, contact airlines for rebooking or refunds, and consider alternate travel options to avoid delays amid high cancellation rates at MSY.
— By VisaVerge.com