On August 11, 2026, hundreds of flights were cancelled or delayed across Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). As of 2 p.m. EDT, ORD reported over 120 canceled flights and more than 400 delayed flights. JFK and LGA combined recorded more than 100 cancellations and over 250 delays. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) also experienced disruptions affecting the New York metro area.
Severe Weather and FAA Ground Stop Orders Disrupt Major Hubs
The widespread disturbances stemmed from severe summer weather, including line storms and heavy rainfall impacting the Chicago and New York regions. Additionally, FAA-imposed ground stops contributed to the suspension
and delay of numerous flights departing or arriving at these airports. The combined effect caused significant operational challenges for airlines serving these hubs.
Airlines Issue Flexible Rebooking Policies for Impacted Passengers
American Airlines announced waivers for change fees and fare differences for travelers with tickets purchased by August 9, 2026, flying on August 11, 2026 through ORD and Northeast airports including JFK, LGA, and EWR. Rebooking is permitted for travel through August 13, 2026. United Airlines offers fee-free rescheduling of flights departing Chicago on August 11, with new travel dates allowed between August 9 and August 14, 2026, with no fare class change fees applied.
Delta Air Lines
extended rebooking flexibility for passengers on tickets purchased by August 10, 2026, flying through New York metro airports such as JFK, LGA, EWR, and Westchester County Airport (HPN) with travel changes permitted through August 13, 2026. JetBlue issued waivers covering flights touching JFK, LGA, EWR, HPN, Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) on August 10 and 11, 2026. Rebooked travel under these waivers is allowed through August 15, 2026.
Traveler Options and Airline Online Rebooking Encouraged
The disruptions resulted in hundreds of flight cancellations and delays affecting thousands of passengers at major hubs. Impacted travelers were granted waivers to avoid change fees
and fare differences across all major U.S. carriers involved. Airlines encouraged passengers to manage flight changes through their websites or mobile applications ahead of airport arrival to streamline the rebooking process and reduce in-airport congestion.
