Flight disruptions across the United States continued for a second day. Airlines struggled to restore normal schedules despite reopened airspace and resumed operations.

Thousands of passengers remained stranded at major airports. These included facilities in Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta and New York.

According to FlightAware data, 6,228 flights to and from the United States were cancelled. Another 7,542 flights faced delays.

The figures exceeded an earlier forecast by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chief Bryan Bedford. He had estimated between 4,000 and 5,000 cancellations among 41,000 scheduled flights.

Worldwide, airlines reported 6,843 cancellations and 19,927 delays. US operations accounted for a significant share of the disruptions.

Major airlines face widespread cancellations

JetBlue was the worst-affected major airline. Nearly 45 percent of its flights were cancelled.

American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines also cancelled around a quarter of their scheduled flights.

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Airlines have offered affected passengers the option to reschedule their journeys. They can choose alternative dates without paying additional fees.

Chicago and Atlanta airports among hardest hit

Chicago O’Hare International Airport recorded more than 559 cancellations by 2pm. Another 68 cancellations affected Chicago Midway Airport.

At Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, 479 flights had been cancelled by 12:30pm. The airport serves as a major hub for Delta Air Lines.

Texas airports also experienced significant disruption. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport recorded nearly 300 cancellations by 9am.

Several passengers spent the night at the airport. Travellers with connecting flights through Dallas faced particular difficulties.

At Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, more than 310 flights had been cancelled by the evening. Disruptions also continued at William P. Hobby Airport.

Authorities warn of further delays

The US Department of Transportation said the airspace remained open. It also confirmed that departures were operating safely.

However, passengers should prepare for further cancellations and delays. Airlines are facing difficulties repositioning aircraft and crews. They must also rebook thousands of affected travellers.

Authorities expect airlines to restore their full flight schedules by tonight.