The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented ground stops at nine major airports in the U.S. Northeast on August 18, 2026, due to severe thunderstorms forecasted to bring damaging wind gusts. The weather disruptions have led to widespread flight delays and cancellations across New York and New Jersey airports.
In response, Delta Air Lines issued travel warnings and waived change fees for rebookings at the nine affected Northeast hubs. The waiver applies for flights on August 18 and 19, 2026, if tickets are reissued by August 10, 2026. Passengers must maintain the original cabin of service, and fare differences could apply
if the original booking class is not kept. Delta is also preparing a cancelation package for New York City anticipating significant air traffic control delays on August 19.
Flight Cancellations and Delays at LaGuardia and Newark Liberty
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) recorded the highest flight cancellations among U.S. airports, with 43 cancellations reported by early August 18. On August 17, the airport experienced 37 departure and 27 arrival cancellations attributed largely to weather and air traffic control issues. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) also faced significant disruptions with 27 cancellations earlier in the week.
Delta’s large operations at these airports have been particularly affected. Flights such as DL2396 faced delays
due to pilot shortages, and air traffic control issues have caused delays of over two hours on routes like Indianapolis to LaGuardia. Passenger Mark Haubry tweeted about a delay on August 17, stating a typical flight from Indianapolis to LaGuardia was delayed over two hours because of air traffic congestion. Another traveler, Rudi Bester, reported further delays when flight DL2396 had only one pilot available.
Weather Impact and Industry Response
Thunderstorms moving into the Northeast on August 18 are expected to continue disrupting air travel through the afternoon and evening. Aviation expert JonNYC noted preparations are underway for substantial air traffic control delays in New
York City airports, prompting airlines like Delta to offer flexible rebooking options. The FAA had also issued ground stops earlier in the week at seven airports due to similar severe weather conditions.
Delta Air Lines is among the major carriers bracing for ongoing disruptions, driven by their significant presence in New York. JetBlue is also expected to be affected given its capacity across New York and Boston hubs. Travel disruptions due to weather and air traffic control delays are projected to worsen throughout the day as thunderstorms develop.
Delta’s waiver allows travelers to change flights without penalty through August 10,
with flights eligible on August 18 and 19. The company emphasized that fare differences will be waived only if the original class of service is maintained in rebooked itineraries.
