The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop advisory at LaGuardia Airport on July 27, 2026, and slowed flight arrivals at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport on the same day. The actions led to widespread flight delays and cancellations in the New York and Philadelphia areas.
The FAA said staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities managing these airports, combined with weather constraints, caused the disruption. Earlier in July 2026, more than 500 flights were canceled and 4,000 delayed across the New York region due to similar issues, compounding ongoing challenges.
The
ground stop at LaGuardia meant flights bound for the airport were held at their departure points until the advisory lifted. Delta Air Lines accounted for most flight cancellations out of LaGuardia on July 27. At JFK, arriving flights faced an average delay of 2 hours and 29 minutes, with the FAA implementing a Traffic Management Program to manage inbound traffic. Passengers should expect delays and cancellations at JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, and Philadelphia airports.
FAA Statement on Traffic Management Program
The Federal Aviation Administration stated: “Due to STAFFING / STAFFING, there is a Traffic Management Program in effect for traffic arriving at John F Kennedy International Airport,
New York, NY (JFK). This is causing some arriving flights to be delayed an average of 2 hours and 29 minutes.”
