More than 500 flights were cancelled and approximately 4,000 delayed on July 13, 2026, at New York area airports including John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport.
These disruptions result from the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to slow flights inbound to those airports through ground stops and ground delays. Ground stops hold departing flights at their origin until restrictions are lifted, while ground delays assign specific departure times to maintain safe spacing upon arrival and reduce airborne congestion.
The FAA’s measures respond to a combination of severe weather conditions affecting the region
and staffing shortages at the air traffic control facility that manages flights for JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, and Philadelphia airports. These constraints necessitated intermittent ground delays and stops expected throughout the evening of July 13.
Passengers flying to or from these airports have faced extensive delays and cancellations due to these operational slowdowns. Flights destined for the affected airports have either been held at their departure points or postponed with scheduled takeoff slots to prevent congestion and ensure safety in the crowded airspace over the New York region.
