Check the FAA website for real-time airport status
The fastest way to learn about an airport is closed is to visit the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website at faa.gov. The FAA maintains a live status page that shows which airports are experiencing delays, closures, or ground stops. You can search by airport code or city name, and the page updates every few minutes.
The status page tells you not just whether an airport is closed, but why — weather, staffing, equipment failure, or security issues. This matters because the reason affects how long the closure will last. A weather closure may reopen in hours; a security incident may take longer.
You do not need to create an account or read anything. The information is free and public. Bookmark this page if you fly regularly, because it is faster than calling the airport or checking your airline's website.
Key Takeaways
- The FAA's live status page at faa.gov shows which airports are closed or delayed and updates every few minutes.
- Airport closures happen for specific reasons — weather, staffing, equipment, or security — and the reason tells you how long the closure may last.
- Your airline's website and app also show airport status, but the FAA page is the official source and updates first.
- If an airport is closed, your airline will rebook you automatically; contact them by phone or app rather than going to the airport.
What your airline's website tells you
Every major airline — United, American, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, and others — displays airport status on their website and mobile app. When you search for your flight, the app will show you if the airport is closed or if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
The airline's information is usually accurate, but it lags behind the FAA page by a few minutes. The airline also shows only the status of flights it operates; if you need to know about all flights at an airport, the FAA page is more complete.
If your flight is cancelled because the airport is closed, your airline is required to rebook you on the next available flight at no extra cost. You do not have to go to the airport to do this — call the airline's customer service line or use the app to rebook yourself.
Airport websites and local news
The airport itself — for example, Denver International or Los Angeles International — maintains its own status page. These pages often have more detail about what is happening on the ground: which terminals are affected, whether rental car facilities are open, and how long the closure is expected to last.
Local news stations in the airport's city also report on major closures, especially weather-related ones. If you are in the area and need to know whether to drive to the airport, local news is often faster than the airport's official page.
However, airport websites and local news are not the official source for flight operations. The FAA page is what air traffic control uses, so it is always the most reliable place to start.
Why airports close and how long it takes
Airports close for a few specific reasons, and each one affects how long the closure lasts. Weather closures — heavy snow, ice, thunderstorms, or low visibility — are the most common. These usually last a few hours, but severe winter storms can close an airport for a full day or more. The airport reopens as soon as the runway is safe to use.
Ground stops happen when air traffic control limits the number of planes taking off or landing because of congestion, weather at the destination airport, or staffing shortages. A ground stop does not mean the airport is closed; planes can still land and take off, but more slowly. Ground stops usually last a few hours.
Security incidents — a suspicious package, a perimeter breach, or a threat — can close an airport or a terminal for hours while authorities investigate. Equipment failures — a broken runway light, a malfunctioning radar system, or a broken baggage system — can also cause closures, though these are less common and usually resolved within hours.
Staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities have caused closures in recent years, particularly at smaller regional airports. These closures are announced in advance and usually last a few hours during a specific time window.
What to do if your airport is closed
If your airport is closed and your flight is cancelled, your airline will contact you by email, text, or phone. Do not go to the airport — stay home and wait for the airline to reach out, or contact them yourself through the app or phone line.
Your airline must rebook you on the next available flight to your destination at no extra cost. If no flights are available that day, the airline must either rebook you on a flight the next day or offer you a refund. You are not may have access to to a hotel or meal voucher unless your airline voluntarily offers one, though some do.
If the airport closure is caused by weather, the airline is not required to pay for your hotel or meals — weather is considered an "act of God" that the airline cannot control. If the closure is caused by the airline's own equipment failure or staffing shortage, some airlines will cover these costs, but policies vary.
Keep your airline confirmation number and your ticket handy. If you need to rebook multiple times, having this information makes the process faster.
Checking status before you leave for the airport
Check the FAA status page and your airline's website 2 to 3 hours before you are scheduled to depart. If your flight is on time and the airport is open, you can proceed to the airport as planned. If there is a delay or closure, the airline will usually notify you before you leave home.
If you are flying early in the morning, check the night before as well. Winter weather can develop overnight, and the FAA page will show closures or ground stops by early morning.
If you are at the airport and the airport closes after you arrive, stay in the terminal. The airline will rebook you or hold your flight until the airport reopens. Do not leave the airport unless you are willing to lose your seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if my flight is cancelled because the airport is closed?
If the closure is caused by weather, the airline is not required to refund you — weather is outside the airline's control. However, you can request a refund instead of a rebooking. If the closure is caused by the airline's own equipment failure or staffing shortage, you may have a stronger case for a refund, though policies vary by airline.
How often do airports close?
Most U.S. airports experience at least one weather-related closure per year, usually during winter. Major airports like Denver, Chicago, and New York close more often because they serve more flights and are in areas with variable weather. Closures due to equipment failure or security incidents are rare.
Will my airline automatically rebook me if the airport is closed?
Your airline will rebook you automatically if you contact them, but you may have to initiate the rebooking yourself through the app or phone line. Some airlines send automatic rebooking offers by email or text, but this is not may provide. Call or use the app to confirm your new flight as soon as you know your original flight is cancelled.
What if I am already at the airport when it closes?
Stay in the terminal and contact your airline. The airline will rebook you on the next available flight or hold your current flight until the airport reopens. If you leave the airport, you may lose your seat and have to purchase a new ticket.
Is the FAA website the same as the airport's website?
No. The FAA website shows flight operations status for all U.S. airports. The airport's own website shows local information like terminal status, parking, and ground transportation. Check the FAA page first for whether flights are operating, then check the airport's page for details about the airport itself.