On July 27, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) slowed flights and imposed ground stops at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport. Flight cancellations at these four airports ranged between 20% and 30%, while ground delays averaged between 71 and 149 minutes.
Air Traffic Control Staffing Shortages Affect Northeast Operations
The FAA attributed the delays and ground stops to severe weather conditions combined with staffing shortages at the New York Air Route Traffic Control Center. The New York Area Terminal Radar Approach Control remains at 57% of its targeted certified air traffic controller staffing. This persistent shortage has
caused delays and requires controllers to work mandatory overtime and six-day workweeks.
To mitigate these challenges, the FAA recently extended flight limits at Newark Liberty International Airport through summer 2027, and at JFK and LaGuardia through late October 2028. The FAA has also prolonged waivers on minimum flight requirements at JFK, LaGuardia, and Reagan Washington National Airport through late 2027.
Flight Cancellations and Delays Disrupt Travel
Passengers at the four affected airports encountered widespread cancellations, with 20% to 30% of flights canceled on July 27. Ground delays averaged from just over an hour to nearly two and a half hours, reflecting operational constraints caused by controller
shortages and adverse weather.
FAA Extends Flight Restrictions and Waivers Amid Ongoing Staffing Deficits
The FAA’s response to continued staffing shortages includes extending significant flight restrictions previously imposed on Newark Liberty International Airport following major disruptions at United Airlines’ hub in May 2025. These restrictions will remain in place through October 2027. The FAA expects staffing shortages at Newark to persist until at least that time.
Additionally, the FAA’s waivers on the minimum flight use requirements allow airlines at JFK, LaGuardia, and Reagan Washington National Airport to operate up to 10% fewer flights than the standard 80% usage threshold needed to maintain takeoff and landing slots at congested airports.
