Travelers flying in and out of Denver this Memorial Day weekend faced major headaches as severe thunderstorms triggered a ground stop at Denver International Airport (DIA) on Sunday afternoon. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) paused all incoming flights around 3:45 p.m. due to heavy rain, lightning, and dangerous wind gusts.
The weather system moved quickly through the metro area, bringing travel to a standstill just as holiday travel was peaking. For many passengers, what was supposed to be a weekend getaway turned into hours of delays, rebooking frustrations, and long lines.
Hundreds of Flights Delayed or Canceled
Flight tracking services reported that more than 400 flights at DIA were delayed, with at least 10 cancellations. Airlines struggled to keep up with the volume of passengers needing assistance. Gates were crowded, and customer service desks were overwhelmed.
For families, students heading home, and tourists looking to enjoy the long weekend, the storm’s timing couldn’t have been worse. Travelers took to social media to share photos and stories of their extended airport stays, including long waits for updates and few food options due to restaurant closures in the terminals.
On the Ground: Frustration and Confusion
Many passengers described the scene as chaotic. With little warning, the ground stop left incoming flights circling or diverted to nearby airports, while outbound flights were held on the tarmac or delayed indefinitely.
One traveler, Rachel Simmons from Austin, said, “We were supposed to land around 4 p.m., but ended up sitting on the runway in Colorado Springs for two hours before flying back to Denver. It was exhausting.”
Another family, trying to return home to Chicago, said their flight was canceled outright. “They told us to rebook online, but the site kept crashing. Eventually we just gave up and booked a hotel,” said Marcus Greene, who was traveling with his wife and two kids.
Storms Across the Region Create a Ripple Effect
Denver wasn’t the only city feeling the impact. The same storm system swept across several states in the central U.S., causing problems at other major airports. More than 4,000 flights nationwide were delayed on Monday, many of them tied to ripple effects from weather-related hold-ups in cities like Denver, Dallas, and Chicago.
Tornado warnings and flash floods were reported in parts of Kansas and Nebraska, adding to the disruption across the region.
Weather Outlook and What to Expect
Unfortunately, the weather is not done yet. Meteorologists are warning that more storms could develop across Colorado throughout the week. Travelers flying in or out of DIA should check their airline’s website or app frequently for real-time updates.
Airport officials say they are doing everything they can to keep operations running safely but urge passengers to prepare for possible delays and pack accordingly.
“We understand this has been incredibly frustrating for many people,” said a spokesperson for the airport. “But safety always comes first. We’re monitoring the forecast closely and working with airlines to keep people informed.”
Tips for Travelers
For those with upcoming flights through Denver, experts recommend:
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Arriving at the airport earlier than usual
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Signing up for text/email alerts from your airline
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Packing extra snacks, water, and any medications in your carry-on
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Staying patient and flexible with travel plans
Even with the frustration, most passengers understood that safety was the top priority. But with holiday travel season just getting started, many are hoping for clearer skies ahead.
