The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for flights headed to John F. Kennedy International Airport beginning at 8:18 a.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The ground stop remained in effect until 12:15 p.m., grounding departures bound for JFK during this nearly four-hour period.
Thunderstorms in New York Region Cause Ground Stop and Delays
Thunderstorms and heavy rain in the New York metropolitan area caused the FAA to issue the ground stop for JFK flights to ensure safety amid the severe weather conditions. Heavy rain and thunderstorms led to flooding and widespread travel impacts throughout the region Sunday morning.
After the ground stop was lifted at 12:15 p.m., flight
departures from JFK continued to experience delays due to weather-related traffic management initiatives. As of 3:30 p.m. on September 13, 2026, average departure delays at JFK were approximately 15 minutes, reflecting ongoing operational challenges at one of the busiest international hubs in the U.S.
