The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented ground stops and ground delay programs on September 27, 2026, at major airports across the US Northeast. Affected airports 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.
Weather and Operational Constraints Cause Delays
These operational limitations are driven by weather factors such as rain and wind at Boston Logan, combined with wind constraints impacting New York and Philadelphia air traffic systems. The FAA’s traffic management measures aim to address reduced arrival capacity at the affected airports.
Delays of up
to 150 minutes have been reported on numerous flights across these airports, with some cancellations also occurring. Washington Dulles International Airport faces a possible ground stop beginning after approximately 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), and JFK Airport is scheduled for evaluation after 6 p.m. ET for potential additional traffic control measures due to high passenger volume.
Flight Impact and FAA Operational Measures
According to the FAA operations plan issued on September 26, 2026, at 1:25 p.m. ET, ground stops and delay programs were expected to possibly remain in effect through about 7 p.m. ET. These measures manage airspace congestion by either holding aircraft on the ground
at their departure airports or assigning arrival slots to distribute traffic flow.
A ground stop requires select aircraft to remain at their origin airports — for example, a flight scheduled from Chicago to JFK might be prevented from departing to avoid congestion on arrival. Ground delay programs delay arrivals by holding certain flights before departure but do not prohibit all takeoffs.
Airline Waivers and Traveler Recommendations
Delta Air Lines has issued a Northeast weather waiver for travelers on September 26 and 27 through airports including JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Philadelphia, Providence, Portland, and Westchester County. Passengers affected can rebook travel through September 30. Boston travel for
Delta is covered through September 29 with rebooking permitted until October 2.
American Airlines has a severe-weather alert covering travel between September 25 and 27 at Boston, JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Philadelphia, Dulles, and Reagan National. JetBlue Airways’ waiver applies to travel through September 27 at Boston, JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, and additional Northeast airports, allowing rebooking through September 30.
Airline waivers are voluntary and specify conditions for eligibility and the valid timeframes for rebooking. Passengers should review airline-specific terms before changing flights. Refund rights only apply if airlines cancel or significantly delay flights, not solely due to anticipated weather or ground
stops.
Dynamic FAA Traffic Management
The FAA emphasizes that ground stop and delay programs may be introduced or adjusted rapidly with little notice depending on evolving weather and traffic conditions. Travelers departing from or arriving at affected airports on September 27, 2026, should monitor airline information and the FAA’s updated operations plans for real-time status.
For example, a planned ground stop does not guarantee immediate implementation, and FAA measures can be extended, lifted, or rescinded throughout the day. This fluid situation requires passengers to remain attentive to changes that impact their flights.
