The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an operations plan at 1:25 p.m. ET on September 26, 2026, warning of possible ground stops and ground delay programs at major Northeast U.S. airports including JFK, Newark Liberty, Boston Logan, LaGuardia, Philadelphia International, Reagan National, and Washington Dulles. These traffic-management measures may extend through approximately 7 p.m. ET due to unfavorable weather and air traffic constraints.
Boston was experiencing rain and wind, while air traffic systems servicing New York and Philadelphia faced wind constraints according to the FAA. Washington Dulles International Airport might implement a ground stop beginning after around 2:30 p.m. ET.
JFK Airport was scheduled for evaluation after 6 p.m. ET for potential additional traffic-management initiatives driven by passenger volume.
FAA Defines Ground Stops and Ground Delay Programs
A ground stop requires certain aircraft to remain on the ground at their origin airports to limit congestion at destination airports. For example, flights destined for JFK from cities like Chicago could be held at the departure airport to avoid circling near New York if landing slots are unavailable.
Ground delay programs allocate arrival slots and hold some departing flights at their origin airports to control demand at arrival points without fully halting departures. Both measures can cause delays extending beyond
the affected airports.
Airline Waivers Cover Travel Disruptions in the Northeast
Delta Air Lines issued a weather waiver for travel on September 26 and 27 covering JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Philadelphia, Providence, Portland, and Westchester County airports. Eligible passengers can rebook travel beginning no later than September 30. Delta’s Boston waiver extends coverage for travel September 26 through 29 with rebookings allowed through October 2.
American Airlines has issued a severe-weather alert waiver for travel between September 25 and 27 encompassing Boston Logan, JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Philadelphia, Washington Dulles, and Reagan National airports. Passengers meeting the airline’s ticketing and rebooking criteria may make a one-time change.
JetBlue’s waiver covers
travel through September 27 at Boston, JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, and several other Northeast airports, with rebooking permitted through September 30.
Passenger Guidance on Flights, Refunds, and Monitoring Conditions
The FAA cautioned that flights showing as “on time” earlier in the day may still face delays due to rapidly changing weather and airport capacity. Travelers were advised to monitor airline apps and FAA airport status information for the latest updates before altering travel plans.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to provide refunds only if flights are canceled or significantly delayed—defined as arriving three or more hours late. Refunds do not apply to voluntary ticket changes made
due to anticipated ground stops or adverse weather, which are covered instead by airline waivers.
Passengers with flexible schedules may consider adjusting flights to earlier or later times while seats remain available, especially when traveling through multiple affected airports or with tight connections.
FAA Traffic Management Programs Remain Dynamic
The FAA’s ground stops and delay programs can be implemented with little advance notice depending on evolving weather and airport operational conditions. As of 1:25 p.m. ET on September 26, 2026, no active terminal traffic-management programs were in place, but the agency emphasized the potential for quick changes throughout the day.
Travelers flying into or through JFK,
Newark Liberty, Boston Logan, LaGuardia, Philadelphia International, Washington Dulles, or Reagan National airports should prepare for possible delays and cancellations as airport arrival capacity is limited by current conditions.
