By 7 a.m. EST on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, FlightAware reported more than 100 flights cancelled each at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA), while Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) experienced 60 cancellations. On the preceding Monday evening, LaGuardia saw over 100 cancellations, with JFK and Newark also recording above-average flight losses. These disruptions stem from severe weather consisting of heavy thunderstorms, torrential rain, strong winds, and localized flooding sweeping across the tri-state area.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded by issuing ground stops and delay programs for all major New York airports on Monday. A
further ground delay program specifically targeting LaGuardia was implemented on Tuesday morning, reflecting ongoing adverse conditions. The weather has forced grounding of aircraft and crews either at origin or within New York airports, resulting in a backlog extending beyond the metropolitan region.
Cascading Delays Across National Air Traffic Network
The operational holdbacks in New York have produced ripple effects on arrivals and departures at other major hubs across the United States. Airports in Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, and Charlotte are experiencing secondary delays and cancellations despite clear weather in those locations. The frozen aircraft and crew availability disrupt connections, causing widespread scheduling challenges. In response, nearly all major
airlines have issued flexible change waivers for passengers traveling through New York on Tuesday, allowing flight modifications without penalties.
