The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a ground stop at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) before 9:40 a.m. local time on Thursday, August 27, 2026, due to thunderstorms. The ground stop was expected to continue through at least 10:00 a.m., immediately affecting departures and arrivals at Newark and creating cascading delays throughout the day.
Delays and Cancellations at LaGuardia and JFK
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) experienced a ground delay linked to the same storm system, with arriving flights facing average delays exceeding 90 minutes as of 9:40 a.m. local time. LaGuardia reported 42 cancellations, representing 7% of total flights, and 101 delays, amounting to 18% of scheduled movements.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) encountered significant disruptions without a ground stop, recording 19 cancellations and 48 delays during the morning.
Nationwide Impact and Airline Waivers
FlightAware data timestamped at 9:45 a.m. EDT showed that severe weather was causing widespread disruption across U.S. national airspace. The data recorded 1,522 total flight delays and 172 cancellations within, into, or out of the United States on Thursday morning. In response, several major airlines serving New York City airports issued flexible travel waivers, allowing passengers with flights scheduled for the day to change or rebook without incurring change fees or fare differences.
The air traffic disruptions stemmed
from a severe thunderstorm system affecting the New York City area, part of a broader wave of summer storms impacting the region and its key airports. Newark, LaGuardia, and JFK are among the most affected hubs this morning, with the storm system leading to extensive operational challenges across multiple airports.
