The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed a ground stop at Philadelphia International Airport beginning at 9:48am on September 21, 2026, followed by Newark Liberty International Airport at approximately 10:00am. The Newark ground stop was extended multiple times and lasted until at least 1:45pm. Teterboro Airport was also affected throughout the day.
Newark Flights Delayed Up to 150 Minutes
Newark-bound flights experienced delays of up to 150 minutes. Average departure delays at Newark were 105 minutes by late morning, peaked at 124 minutes by noon, and remained high at 112 minutes in later data. Arrival delays averaged 49 minutes. Philadelphia International Airport also faced substantial departure delays under
the FAA ground stop since 9:48am.
Over 600 Flights Delayed at Major Airline Hubs
Delays impacted Newark, Philadelphia, and Teterboro airports within the New York metropolitan area. Newark Liberty International Airport is a key hub for United Airlines, while Philadelphia International Airport is a major American Airlines hub. More than 600 flights experienced delays at Newark and Philadelphia combined, comprising over 20% of scheduled traffic at these two airports. Teterboro, servicing private and corporate aviation, also faced disruptions.
Communication Failures at Philadelphia TRACON Trigger Ground Stops
The FAA attributed the disruption to communication frequency problems at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility, which manages approach and departure operations for Newark, Philadelphia, and surrounding airports.
These issues affected air traffic control across the region. Flight controllers diverted several aircraft during the restrictions to manage the traffic flow.
Ongoing Infrastructure Upgrades and Staffing Challenges
Similar telecommunications and technology failures at Newark and Philadelphia in 2025 prompted the FAA to upgrade infrastructure with fiber-optic links and backup equipment. The FAA is developing a local Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System hub to limit reliance on New York data feeds. Staffing constraints at Philadelphia TRACON Area C, responsible for managing Newark traffic, are ongoing and expected to persist into Summer 2027 scheduling.
On June 23, 2026, the FAA published a Federal Register notice extending Newark’s
operating limits effective October 25, 2026 through October 30, 2027, allowing 72 operations per hour (36 arrivals and 36 departures). However, the current staffing and communication issues complicate operations.
Traveler Impact and Advice
Passengers at Newark, Philadelphia, and Teterboro airports were advised to check directly with their airlines for updates and to consult the FAA’s National Airspace System status service. Flight schedules may continue to be adjusted as crews and aircraft remain out of position following the ground stop.
