The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning on September 26, 2026, of potential ground stops or ground delay programs at several major Northeast airports impacting flight operations on September 27, 2026. Airports that could be affected 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.
Ground Stops and Ground Delay Programs Defined
The FAA defines a ground stop as a traffic-management action requiring certain aircraft to remain on the ground at their departure airports until space is available at their destination. For example, if JFK implements a
ground stop, flights scheduled to depart from cities such as Chicago could be held at their origin rather than airborne waiting for landing clearance. Ground delay programs differ by assigning arrival slots and holding some aircraft at their departure locations to regulate demand at arrival airports rather than completely halting departures.
Weather and Traffic Constraints at Northeast Airports
The FAA’s operations plan issued at 1:25 p.m. ET on September 26 forecasted possible ground stops or delay programs lasting until roughly 7 p.m. ET at JFK, Newark, Boston Logan, LaGuardia, Philadelphia, and Reagan National. A potential ground stop at Washington Dulles was expected to begin after 2:30 p.m.
ET. Boston Logan faces rain and wind conditions, while New York and Philadelphia’s air traffic systems are currently constrained by wind. Additionally, JFK is scheduled for evaluation following 6 p.m. ET due to increased passenger volumes, which may trigger additional traffic management measures.
Airline Travel Waivers for Northeast Disruptions
Delta Air Lines issued a Northeast weather waiver valid for travel on September 26 and 27, 2026, covering airports including JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Philadelphia, Providence, Portland, and Westchester County. Travelers eligible under this waiver can rebook trips with new travel commencing no later than September 30. Delta also has a separate waiver for Boston Logan that applies
to travel from September 26 through 29, with rebooked travel permitted until October 2, 2026.
American Airlines activated a severe-weather alert impacting Boston, JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Philadelphia, Washington Dulles, and Reagan National. This waiver applies to original travel dated September 25 through 27, 2026, allowing one-time changes based on ticket and rebooking terms.
JetBlue Airways offers a travel waiver covering air travel through September 27, 2026, at Boston Logan, JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, and several other airports in the Northeast. Travelers qualifying under JetBlue’s terms may rebook flights through September 30, 2026.
Traveler Guidance and Refund Rights
The FAA emphasized that planned ground stops are not
active ground stops and can be introduced, extended, or cancelled with minimal notice as weather and capacity conditions evolve. Flights marked ‘‘on time’’ early in the day may still face delays later.
Passengers are urged to monitor airline apps and flight status updates. Airlines’ travel waivers allow rescheduling flights without fees under set conditions, but federal refund rights apply solely when the airline cancels flights or imposes significant schedule alterations. For domestic trips, a delay of three hours or more is considered a significant schedule change under U.S. Department of Transportation rules. Voluntary changes in anticipation of delays do not
automatically qualify for refunds.
