The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed a ground stop at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) starting at 9:40 a.m. local time on Thursday, August 27, 2026. This ground stop is expected to remain in effect until at least 10:00 a.m., disrupting operations and triggering cascading delays for flights scheduled throughout the day.
Delays and Cancellations at LaGuardia and JFK
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has a ground delay in place due to the severe thunderstorms affecting the region. As of 9:40 a.m. local time, flights arriving at LaGuardia are facing an average delay exceeding 90 minutes. FlightAware data at 9:45 a.m. EDT reported 42 cancellations, representing 7% of total
flights at LaGuardia, along with 101 delayed flights, accounting for 18% of scheduled arrivals. At John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which has no ground stop but is still impacted by the weather, there were 19 cancellations and 48 flight delays reported.
Nationwide Impact of Thunderstorm-Related Disruptions
The storm system has caused extensive disturbances beyond New York’s airports. Across the United States, FlightAware recorded 1,522 flight delays and 172 cancellations by 9:45 a.m. EDT linked to this weather event. Newark, LaGuardia, and JFK are among the most affected airports nationwide, with Newark’s ground stop intensifying delays and cancellations at the regional hubs.
The severe weather
affecting New York’s major airports is resulting in substantial travel disruptions on August 27, 2026, with the FAA ground stop and ongoing delays expected to impact air traffic beyond the morning hours.
Traveler Impact and Airline Response
Passengers departing New York airports face significant delays, with LaGuardia flights averaging more than an hour and a half of delay as of late morning. In response, several major airlines operating in the New York area have issued flexible travel waivers for flights scheduled on Thursday. These waivers allow travelers to change or rebook flights without incurring additional fees or fare increases, accommodating disruptions caused by the storm
and ground stop.
