By 7 a.m. EST on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, FlightAware reported over 100 flight cancellations at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA), with Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) experiencing 60 cancellations. These ongoing cancellations followed more than 100 flights cancelled at LaGuardia on Monday evening, alongside above-average cancellations at JFK and Newark.
Severe Storms Trigger Flight Disruptions
The cancellations are the result of a system of severe thunderstorms moving across the New York tri-state area. These storms brought torrential rain, high winds, and localized flooding that affected flight operations at the major New York City metropolitan airports.
FAA Ground Stops and Delay Programs in Effect
The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) initiated ground stops and delay programs for all major New York airports on Monday due to the inclement weather. On Tuesday morning, the FAA extended an additional ground delay program specifically for LaGuardia Airport, with potential expansions as further storms approach.
Wider Impact on National Flight Networks
Hold-ups at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark have caused a cascading effect on flights beyond the New York area. Aircraft and crews held in place have delayed outbound connections and subsequent flights. Major hubs such as Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, and Charlotte are reporting secondary cancellations and delays despite clear weather conditions.
Airlines serving New York have implemented flexible change
waivers for affected travel on July 28, allowing passengers to alter plans without penalties. Travelers using JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark are experiencing significant cancellations and delays requiring increased patience.
