The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned of possible ground stops and ground delay programs at multiple major airports in the Northeast United States on September 26, 2026. The airports listed include John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, Reagan National Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport. The FAA’s operations plan issued at 1:25 p.m. ET indicated no active terminal traffic-management programs but noted that conditions might change rapidly, with ground stops or delays possible through approximately 7 p.m. ET.
FAA Cites Weather and Traffic as Causes for Ground Stops and Delays
Ground stops and ground delay programs are traffic-management procedures
used by the FAA to regulate arrivals at airports when capacity is reduced. Ground stops prevent certain departing flights from leaving their origin airports to reduce congestion at the destination, while ground delay programs assign arrival slots and hold flights at departure points to manage airport demand. The FAA cited current weather conditions including rain and wind in Boston and wind constraints affecting air traffic systems in New York and Philadelphia as key factors contributing to these measures. JFK will undergo evaluation after 6 p.m. ET for a possible additional traffic-management program linked to passenger volume.
Flight Delays Reported up to 150 Minutes; Airlines Issue Travel Waivers
Reported flight delays in
the Northeast have reached up to 150 minutes due to the ongoing ground stops and delay programs. Delta Air Lines issued a Northeast weather waiver covering travel through JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Philadelphia, Providence, Portland, and Westchester County for travel on September 26 and 27, with rebooked travel permitted through September 30. Delta’s Boston-specific waiver covers travel from September 26 to 29 with rebooked trips allowed through October 2. American Airlines released a severe weather alert waiver for travel between September 25 and 27 for Boston, JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Philadelphia, Dulles, and Reagan National. JetBlue authorized a waiver covering travel through
September 27 at Boston, JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, and other Northeast airports with rebooking valid through September 30.
FAA Operations Plan Updates and Traveler Recommendations
The FAA operations plan issued at 1:25 p.m. ET specifies that no terminal traffic-management restrictions were active at that time but stresses the possibility of rapid changes in response to weather and airport capacity fluctuations. Washington Dulles International Airport faces a potential ground stop beginning after 2:30 p.m. ET. The FAA advises travelers to monitor airline applications and FAA airport status feeds frequently throughout the day, as ground stops and delay programs can be introduced, extended or canceled unexpectedly.
Airline Waiver Conditions and Federal Refund Rules
Travelers utilizing airline-issued weather
waivers should carefully review the specific terms each carrier provides, including travel dates and rebooking limitations. Department of Transportation regulations grant refunds when flights are cancelled or significantly delayed beyond three hours and passengers choose not to travel, but waiver permissions do not guarantee automatic refunds. Airline waivers allow passengers to change schedules voluntarily due to anticipated weather impacts and ground stops, without an obligation for a refund unless the airline cancels a flight or delays are substantial.
