San Diego, November 22, 2025
On November 21, San Diego International Airport faced major flight disruptions with over 300 delays, attributed to runway construction and adverse weather conditions. Travelers are encouraged to check flight statuses. Additionally, a Winter Storm Warning was issued for the Riverside and San Bernardino County Mountains, forecasting heavy snow and hazardous travel conditions. As the holiday travel season approaches, San Diego prepares for an influx of travelers, marking a busy period with several upcoming events and local highlights.
San Diego, CA – November 22, 2025
Flight Delays at San Diego International Airport Due to Weather and Construction
On Friday, November 21, 2025, San Diego International Airport experienced significant disruptions, with over 300 flights delayed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) attributed the delays to runway construction. However, airport spokeswoman Nicole Hall clarified that the issues were due to taxiway construction combined with adverse weather conditions. A ground stop was implemented for departing flights until approximately 11:45 a.m., with a 30-60% chance of extension. The ground stop was lifted around that time. The construction aims to expand the taxiway to provide more space for aircraft accessing Terminal 1. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight statuses and to arrive at least two hours before departure.
Winter Storm Warning Issued for Riverside and San Bernardino County Mountains
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning on November 21, 2025, at 1:13 p.m. PST, effective until November 22 at 10:00 a.m. PST, for the Riverside and San Bernardino County Mountains. The warning forecasts heavy wet snow above 6,500 feet, with additional snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches and wind gusts up to 35 mph. Travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution, as hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute. Those planning to travel should keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicles in case of emergencies.
San Diego International Airport Anticipates Busy Holiday Travel Season
San Diego International Airport is preparing for its busiest holiday travel season to date, coinciding with the opening of its new Terminal 1. Airport spokeswoman Nicole Hall anticipates a 2-3% increase in travelers compared to last year, with approximately 875,000 people expected throughout the Thanksgiving holiday. The busiest day is projected to be Sunday, November 30. Travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines for flight statuses and to arrive at least two hours before departure. The airport has also launched the SAN Pass program, allowing individuals without plane tickets to accompany friends or family past security to see them off or welcome them home at the gate.
Scattered Showers Expected Across San Diego County
Scattered showers were forecasted across San Diego County on Friday, November 21, 2025, with the possibility of lingering into early Saturday morning. Forecasters indicated that the main part of the storm system was moving through the area, but wrap-around moisture could result in some lingering showers. The rest of the weekend was expected to be drier, though only slightly warmer. Residents are advised to stay updated with local weather reports for the latest information.
Upcoming Events in San Diego
- Drone Show in Chula Vista: A 45-minute drone light show is scheduled for the nights of November 21 and 22 at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. The event will feature a 500-plus drone display paired with live performances of “Four Seasons” and “Swan Lake.” Tickets range from $39.90 for the picnic area to $65 for the seated area.
- Holiday in Oz at Hotel del Coronado: Starting November 21, Hotel del Coronado is hosting “Holiday in Oz,” a festive program featuring a nightly “Wonder of Oz” light show set to an Oz-themed soundtrack, along with a self-guided trail that includes elaborate scenery, classic characters, and 11 specially decorated Christmas trees inspired by the Land of Oz.
- Free Tree Lighting Ceremony at Parkway Plaza: On November 21, Parkway Plaza in El Cajon hosted its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring Santa Claus’s grand arrival, live performances, crafts, balloon twisting, face painting, and giveaways. The event marked the beginning of the holiday season in El Cajon.
San Diego’s Top Restaurants Recognized
Five San Diego County restaurants have been named to OpenTable’s Top 100 list for 2025. This list is based on diner reviews and demand, highlighting San Diego’s growing reputation in the fine dining scene. Notably, three of the local winners are repeat selections from the previous year, reinforcing their continued popularity and excellence. The recognized restaurants are described as upscale establishments. Additionally, the team behind one of the winners, Cesarina, is set to expand with a new Italian eatery named Corallino opening on Shelter Island in spring 2026.
Upcoming Sports Events in San Diego
- Survivor Series: WarGames: Scheduled for November 29, 2025, at Petco Park, this WWE event will feature the WarGames match, a team-based steel cage match surrounding two rings placed side by side. This marks the first Survivor Series to be held in an outside venue and the first to be held in a stadium.
- Rady Children’s Invitational: An annual men’s NCAA Division I college basketball tournament held in San Diego, California. The tournament was moved to the Jenny Craig Pavilion on the campus of the University of San Diego in 2025. Four teams compete in a two-day, four-game bracketed tournament.
San Diego Open (Tennis):
The San Diego Open is an annual professional tennis tournament on the ATP Challenger Tour, held in San Diego, California. The tournament returned as an ATP Challenger 100 event in 2025 when the WTA 500 event was canceled.
Conclusion
San Diego continues to display resilience and adaptability amid ongoing challenges. With a busy holiday travel season approaching, the airport’s new infrastructure developments will better accommodate the increased traveler volume. Local restaurants shining on a national stage and unique holiday events highlight the city’s vibrant culture and community engagement. As we look forward, supporting local businesses remains crucial in fostering San Diego’s economic growth and maintaining its reputation as a premier destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were there significant flight delays at San Diego International Airport?
Flight delays at San Diego International Airport were significant on November 21, 2025, with over 300 flights delayed due to taxiway construction and adverse weather conditions.
What events are happening in San Diego this holiday season?
Upcoming events in San Diego include a drone show in Chula Vista, “Holiday in Oz” at Hotel del Coronado, and a free tree lighting ceremony at Parkway Plaza.
How many travelers is San Diego International Airport expecting during the Thanksgiving holiday?
San Diego International Airport is expecting approximately 875,000 travelers during the Thanksgiving holiday.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Flight Delays | 300 flights delayed due to taxiway construction and weather conditions. |
| Winter Storm Warning | Issued for Riverside and San Bernardino County Mountains; snowfall expected. |
| Holiday Travel | Approximately 875,000 travelers expected at San Diego International Airport. |
| Upcoming Events | Drone show, Holiday in Oz, Free Tree Lighting Ceremony. |
| Top Restaurants | Five San Diego restaurants recognized in OpenTable’s Top 100. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
