On July 11 and continuing into July 12, 2026, the FAA delayed and canceled flights arriving at New York-area and Philadelphia airports. More than 500 flights were canceled and 4,000 delayed at John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport.
FAA Implements Ground Stops and Delays to Manage Arrivals
The FAA has applied ground delays and intermittent ground stops at these airports throughout the evening. A ground stop halts some or all flights at their origin airports until lifted, preventing departures toward the affected airports. Ground delays allow flights to depart but impose specific takeoff times to stagger arrivals and reduce congestion
in the air.
Weather and Staffing Shortages Disrupt Air Traffic Control Operations
The disruptions stem from a combination of adverse weather conditions and shortages in air traffic control staffing at the facility managing operations at these airports. These factors have constrained the FAA’s ability to safely manage flight arrivals and departures in the busy New York and Philadelphia airspace.
Passengers with flights arriving at JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, or Philadelphia should expect delays. Flights may be held on the ground at their departure points if a ground stop is in effect. Departing flights that do proceed will receive assigned takeoff times to maintain safe spacing and avoid airborne holding patterns.
