The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued warnings about possible ground stops and ground delay programs at several major Northeast U.S. airports on September 26, 2026. The FAA’s operations plan issued at 1:25 p.m. ET listed no active traffic-management programs at that time but noted conditions could change rapidly. Potential ground stops or delays may last until approximately 7 p.m. ET at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), and Reagan National Airport (DCA). Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) could experience a ground stop starting
after roughly 2:30 p.m. ET.
Weather Conditions Impacting Northeast Airports
Boston Logan Airport faced rain and wind on September 26, 2026, while New York City airports, including JFK and LaGuardia, as well as Philadelphia International Airport, dealt with wind constraints limiting arrivals and departures. The FAA also indicated JFK would be evaluated after 6 p.m. ET for potential additional traffic-management initiatives due to passenger volume pressures.
FAA Traffic-Management Measures Explained
The FAA defines a ground stop as holding departing aircraft at their origin to prevent congestion at the destination airport. For example, a flight scheduled to depart from Chicago to JFK might be delayed on the ground in Chicago
rather than taking off and holding near New York airspace. Ground delay programs differ by assigning arrival slots and holding some flights at departure airports based on demand at the arrival airport. Both methods manage reduced arrival capacity and can cause delays extending beyond the affected airport.
Airline Travel Waivers for Northeast Weather Disruptions
Delta Air Lines issued a Northeast weather waiver covering travel on September 26-27, 2026, at JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Philadelphia, Providence, Portland, and Westchester County airports. Passengers can rebook travel within waiver conditions with new travel commencing no later than September 30, 2026. Delta’s Boston-specific waiver extends from September 26 through September 29, 2026,
allowing rebooked travel through October 2.
American Airlines released a severe-weather alert for Boston, JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Philadelphia, Dulles, and Reagan National airports covering original travel dates from September 25 to 27, 2026. Passengers meeting ticket and rebooking conditions may qualify for one-time changes.
JetBlue Airways’ waiver applies to travel through September 27, 2026, at Boston Logan, JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, and other Northeast airports, permitting rebookings through September 30.
Recommendations for Travelers
Passengers at affected airports should monitor flight status through airline apps since early afternoon “on time” indications may not guarantee departure times due to rapidly changing conditions. Travelers should verify eligibility
for airline waivers before altering plans.
The Department of Transportation requires airlines to provide refunds only when flights are canceled or experience significant schedule changes, defined as arrivals delayed by three or more hours. Voluntarily changing travel due to potential delays does not guarantee a refund.
A traveler’s first step should be to check the status of their aircraft and airline communications. Confirming waiver conditions can help manage schedule flexibility effectively. The FAA’s operations plan is updated through the day as weather and airport capacity change, affecting potential ground stops and delays.
