More than 100 departing flights were canceled Tuesday morning, July 21, 2026, at Newark Liberty International Airport amid severe thunderstorms sweeping across North Jersey and the Northeast.
A stalled weather system caused heavy rain, frequent lightning, and severe thunderstorms that resulted in ongoing air traffic restrictions impacting flights throughout the region.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) halted ground operations Monday night due to frequent lightning, which created unsafe conditions for ramp personnel. This stoppage prevented aircraft from departing or accessing gates, forcing arriving flights to queue on the tarmac while departures remained grounded. Some passengers remained aboard planes for over
seven hours because of these delays and cancellations.
The flight disruptions originating at Newark extended into the national air traffic network, causing delays and cancellations across airports in the Northeast and Midwest.
Major airlines United Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines issued travel waivers on July 21 allowing affected customers to change flights without incurring fees. Passengers with canceled flights may also receive full cash refunds under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations if they choose not to travel.
Weather conditions and FAA air traffic restrictions continue to evolve, affecting airport operations. Travelers in the New York metropolitan area are advised to
confirm current flight statuses before traveling to the airport.
