The Federal Aviation Administration implemented a ground stop at Newark Liberty International Airport before 9:40 a.m. on August 27, 2026, due to severe thunderstorms. The hold on departures and arrivals at Newark is expected to continue until at least 10:00 a.m. local time.
The weather disruption has caused cascading flight disruptions at Newark, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport. Newark and the other two New York City airports are experiencing significant delays and cancellations attributed to the storm system sweeping through the region.
FlightAware data at 9:45 a.m. EDT indicated a total of 1,522 flight delays and 172
cancellations throughout U.S. airspace on August 27, 2026. The storm has generated nationwide impacts on air traffic, concentrating delays on the East Coast hubs.
Delays and cancellations are heaviest at LaGuardia and JFK
LaGuardia Airport recorded 42 flight cancellations, representing 7% of scheduled operations this morning. In addition, 101 flights are delayed, accounting for 18% of LaGuardia’s total traffic, with delays averaging more than 90 minutes. LaGuardia ranked among the world’s most affected hubs during this time frame.
John F. Kennedy Airport experienced 19 cancellations and 48 delays despite no FAA ground stop being in effect there. Flights at JFK are also substantially disrupted by the ongoing thunderstorms and
related operational impacts.
Airlines offer flexible rebooking options amid disruptions
Several major airlines serving the New York area have responded to the weather-related flight interruptions by issuing flexible travel waivers for August 27. These waivers allow affected passengers to rebook or change flights without incurring ticket change fees or fare differences.
Travelers departing or arriving at Newark, JFK, or LaGuardia airports have faced delays exceeding an hour and a half on average or outright cancellations due to the FAA ground stop and widespread severe weather conditions impacting the region’s airspace.
