The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed ground stops at nine major airports in the Northeastern United States on August 6, 2026, due to severe thunderstorms expected to bring damaging wind gusts across New York and New Jersey. Earlier in the week, the FAA had shut down flights at seven major airports before extending ground stops to nine airports on August 6, 2026.
Delta Air Lines issued advisories for passengers at its nine Northeast hubs, including LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, anticipating widespread flight delays and cancellations. The airline offers a rebooking waiver allowing ticket changes without fees if
reissued on or before August 10, 2026, for travel on August 6 or 7, 2026, in the same cabin of service. Fare differences may apply if the original booking class is not maintained.
Flight Cancellations Surge at LaGuardia and Newark
Flight disruptions began on August 5, 2026, with LaGuardia Airport recording the highest number of cancellations worldwide, including 37 departures and 27 arrivals. Early on August 6, cancellations at LaGuardia increased to 43. Newark Liberty International Airport had 27 cancellations on August 5, ranking second highest among U.S. airports.
The FAA reported nearly three-hour delays at LaGuardia during the ground disruption on August 5. These disruptions reflect
severe weather and air traffic control delays contributing to flight interruptions.
Passenger Impacts and Staffing Issues
Passengers at LaGuardia faced significant delays, with some flights delayed over two hours due to air traffic control issues. Delta passenger Mark Haubry tweeted about a flight from Indianapolis to LaGuardia delayed over two hours caused by air traffic, not weather.
Delta flight DL2396 from LaGuardia to West Palm Beach was delayed because only one pilot was available, further postponing the flight.
Extended Disruptions Expected Through August 7
FAA ground stops remain in effect on August 6, 2026, as thunderstorms continue impacting the Northeast. Delta, JetBlue, and other carriers prepare for continued delays and cancellations
at major Northeast hubs including New York and Boston through August 7.
Delta’s official rebooking policy states fare differences will be waived when traveling in the same cabin if reissued by August 10, 2026, for flights August 6 or 7, but differences may apply if booking class changes.
