More than 400 flights were canceled across the US Northeast on Sunday, September 27, 2026, as a powerful nor’easter brought strong winds that disrupted operations at Boston Logan International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued repeated ground stops for flights destined for Boston, causing widespread delays and cancellations at the airport.
Among those affected was Daryl Donatelli of Boston, whose direct flight from Boston to Paris scheduled for Saturday night was canceled. His Sunday night rebooked flight was subsequently canceled as well. Donatelli described the uncertainty caused by fluctuating FAA ground stop statuses, stating, “I was watching all the
FAA warnings, and there was this ground stop on, then off, then on again and off again, and it’s been really uncertain.” He added, “I just wasn’t expecting it to go for two full days. That’s been the surprise.”
Also impacted was a Florida high school athletic and cheerleading team scheduled to return to Orlando on Saturday, September 26. Their flights were canceled, resulting in an extended stay in Boston through at least Monday, September 28, or possibly Tuesday, September 29. Cheryl Draves, the team’s athletic director and cheer coach, spent six hours at Logan Airport working to rearrange flights
and expressed concern for the student-athletes stranded far from home. “My concern is more about my girls because, you know, they’re away from home, and they’re away from their parents, and to be thousands of miles — a thousand miles away is a lot for teenage girls,” Draves said. Their original two-night stay doubled to four nights, causing additional hotel costs and logistical challenges.
Flight Operations Disrupted Into Monday
Flight disruptions at Boston Logan International Airport continued into Monday, September 28, as strong winds from the nor’easter persisted. The FAA maintained ground stops on incoming flights at various intervals, contributing to ongoing delays and cancellations.
Regional airports across the US Northeast also reported significant operational interruptions due to the storm, which has caused widespread power outages and flooding in some areas.
FAA Ground Stops and Traveler Challenges
The FAA’s repeated issuance and lifting of ground stops created uncertainty for passengers and airport staff. Logan Airport’s flight status boards fluctuated between allowing and halting incoming flights, complicating travel plans for thousands. Travelers faced extended waits, with some stranded multiple days beyond their original itineraries. The extended delays forced many to incur unexpected expenses for lodging and transportation, underscoring the logistical difficulties imposed by the storm.
