Severe thunderstorms in the New York and Chicago regions on August 11, 2026, prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to impose ground stops at New York metropolitan airports, disrupting flight operations across major hubs.
By 2 p.m. EDT on August 11, Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) reported over 120 flight cancellations and more than 400 delays. The New York area airports of John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) recorded a combined total of over 100 cancellations and upwards of 250 delays amid continuing thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
Airlines Issue Waivers Covering Multiple Airports
American Airlines offered change fee and fare difference waivers for
passengers traveling on August 11 through Chicago O’Hare or Northeast airports including JFK, LGA, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) if tickets were purchased by August 9 and travel was rebooked between August 10 and August 13. United Airlines allowed fee-free rebooking for Chicago flights departing August 11, with rescheduling permitted between August 9 and August 14 within the same cabin.
Delta Air Lines extended change fee waivers for tickets issued on or before August 10 covering travel through August 13 at New York metro airports JFK, LGA, EWR, and Westchester County Airport (HPN). JetBlue provided waivers for change and
cancel fees plus fare differences on flights involving JFK, LGA, EWR, HPN, Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), or Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) on August 10 and 11, allowing rebookings until August 15.
Passenger Guidance on Rebooking
All affected airlines advised travelers to complete flight change or rebooking arrangements via their mobile apps or online portals before arriving at the airport to expedite handling and reduce wait times amid the disruptions caused by the weather and FAA operational restrictions.
