The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued ground stops or ground delay programs affecting seven major Northeast U.S. airports on September 26, 2026, with disruptions expected until about 7 p.m. Eastern Time. The impacted airports included JFK and LaGuardia in New York, Newark Liberty, Boston Logan, Philadelphia International, Reagan National, and Washington Dulles. The FAA noted Washington Dulles might begin a ground stop after approximately 2:30 p.m. ET.
Weather and Air Traffic Constraints Triggering Delays
Boston Logan airport faced rain and wind conditions while New York and Philadelphia air traffic control systems were operating under wind constraints. The FAA explained that ground stops prevent certain aircraft from departing
their origin airports to control arrivals at busy destinations, such as a flight from Chicago to JFK being held on the ground. Ground delay programs assign arrival slots and hold some flights at departure airports without a full stop of traffic.
Additionally, JFK airport was set for reevaluation after 6 p.m. ET due to passenger volume, with the potential for further traffic management measures. As of the FAA operations plan issued at 1:25 p.m. ET on September 26, no active terminal traffic management programs existed, though the agency stated that ground stops or delay programs could be implemented or changed
with little notice.
Airline Travel Waivers for Affected Passengers
Delta Air Lines issued a weather waiver for its Northeast operations including JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Philadelphia, Providence, Portland, Westchester County, and Boston airports. The waiver covers travel on September 26 and 27, allowing eligible passengers to reschedule departures through September 30. Delta’s Boston-specific waiver extends coverage through September 29 with rebooking allowed up to October 2.
American Airlines implemented a severe-weather alert for Boston, JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Philadelphia, Reagan National, and Washington Dulles airports. This waiver permits one-time ticket changes for travelers booked from September 25 to 27 under American’s conditions.
JetBlue issued a waiver covering several
Northeast airports including Boston, JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark through September 27, with rebookings allowed through September 30.
Passenger Guidance and Airline Policies
Passengers traveling through affected Northeast airports on September 26 were advised to monitor flight status via airline apps and FAA updates. The FAA emphasized that planned ground stops do not equate to active ones and can be modified throughout the day in response to changing conditions.
Travel waivers by airlines are voluntary and distinct from Department of Transportation (DOT) refund rights. DOT mandates refunds only if flights are canceled or significantly delayed, not solely due to forecasted weather or potential ground stops. Travelers
holding nonrefundable tickets who voluntarily change due to anticipated delays are not automatically entitled to refunds.
Operational Flexibility and Traveler Impact
The fluid situation required airlines and the FAA to update ground stops and delay programs as weather and airport capacity evolved. Passengers on flights to or from the Northeast on September 26 faced delays or cancellations, with some flights held at departure airports because of the ground stops.
The FAA warned travelers that even if flights appeared on time early in the afternoon, that status could change rapidly due to new traffic management restrictions. Travelers connecting through multiple hubs among the affected airports needed
to consider potential ripple effects on their itineraries.
