The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced possible ground stops and ground delay programs set to occur on September 27, 2026, at major Northeast U.S. airports including John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Newark Liberty, and Boston Logan. These actions come as the FAA warned of significant flight disruptions expected today due to weather and high traffic volume.
Airports and Timing of Ground Stops and Delay Programs
As of 1:25 p.m. ET on September 26, 2026, no traffic-management initiatives were active. However, the FAA indicated that ground stops or ground delay programs could be activated quickly and last through approximately 7 p.m. ET at JFK, Newark, LaGuardia, Boston Logan, Philadelphia International,
and Reagan National airports. Washington Dulles International Airport faces a potential ground stop starting after 2:30 p.m. ET on September 27.
Weather Impact in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia
Weather conditions are affecting air traffic capacity across the region. Boston is experiencing rain combined with wind, which constrains inbound and outbound operations. Meanwhile, New York-area airports and Philadelphia are managing wind-related restrictions disrupting normal air traffic flow. The FAA also plans to re-evaluate JFK after 6 p.m. ET due to increasing passenger volume and may implement additional traffic-management steps.
The FAA defines a ground stop as a measure requiring certain flights to stay at their departure airports until
arrival slots open at the destination. In contrast, ground delay programs assign scheduled arrival times and hold flights at their origin airports without completely stopping departures.
Airline Waivers Amid Possible Disruptions
Delta Air Lines has issued a Northeast weather waiver applicable to travel on September 26 and 27 at JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Philadelphia, Providence, Portland, and Westchester County airports. Passengers may rebook travel without penalty with new trips beginning by September 30. Additionally, Delta’s Boston-specific waiver covers September 26 through 29, allowing travel rescheduling through October 2.
American Airlines issued a severe-weather alert for flights between September 25 and 27 affecting Boston, JFK, LaGuardia, Newark,
Philadelphia, Washington Dulles, and Reagan National. Eligible customers can make one-time itinerary changes according to ticket and rebooking terms. JetBlue has also released a waiver for travel through September 27 at Boston, JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, and other Northeast airports, permitting rebooking through September 30.
Traveler Guidance and Federal Policies
FAA’s operations plan emphasizes that predicted ground stops or delays are not guaranteed and could shift rapidly throughout the day. Airlines typically issue waivers voluntarily to help passengers navigate forecasted disruptions, but these waivers differ from Department of Transportation (DOT) refund requirements. Passengers are only entitled to refunds if flights are canceled or significantly delayed—defined by
DOT as arriving three or more hours after scheduled time.
Travelers booked on September 26 and 27 flights are encouraged to confirm their flight status using airline applications and to check current FAA operations plans. Flight times may show as “on time” early on but are subject to change. Passengers should review waiver terms before rebooking and consider the aircraft’s previous flight status, when available, to anticipate potential delays.
