Direct answer: You can’t predict with 100% certainty which flights will be cancelled ahead of time, but you can reduce uncertainty by monitoring official flight status updates, airline communications, and airport information in real time. Here are practical steps to know early and act quickly. Key indicators that a flight might be cancelled or heavily disrupted

• Official notices from the airline: email, SMS, or in-app alerts about schedule changes or cancellations.
• Real-time flight status changes: status switches to cancelled or diverted on the airline’s app/website or on airport departure boards.
• Repeated schedule reductions or unusual routing changes announced by the airline or regulators.
• Severe weather alerts or air traffic control workload advisories affecting specific routes.
• Consistent patterns like a heavily delayed aircraft arriving late, followed by a cancellation for the next leg.

Best sources to track status

• Airline resources: use the airline’s flight status tool, app, or their customer service channels. Sign up for notifications if available.
• Airport information: check the airport’s live departure/arrival boards for the flight in question.
• Trusted trackers: look up a flight on reputable flight-tracking sites or apps that pull official data.

What to do if your flight is at risk

• Have a backup plan: know alternative flights or nearby airports, and check other carriers that operate the same route.
• Know your rights and options: depending on the jurisdiction and airline policy, you may be entitled to a rebooking, refund, or accommodation in cases of long delays or cancellations.
• Act quickly: if there’s a disruption, contact the airline promptly to secure rebooking or refunds, and consider reaching out via social media for faster responses if necessary.
• Document everything: keep records of all communications, rebooking confirmations, and any expenses incurred due to changes.

Practical checklist for you

• Before departure: enable notifications from the airline and airport, and check the flight status 24–48 hours before, then again within 2–3 hours of departure.
• At the airport: monitor the flight status board, listen for airline announcements, and have the airline app ready to receive automated updates.
• If cancelled: request immediate rebooking on the same route if possible, or alternatives, and ask about refunds or vouchers if applicable.

If you share your route, date, and airline, I can help you assemble a tailored plan with the most likely disruption indicators and the best alternative options to have ready.