More than 260 flights were canceled at New York City’s three major airports as of 7 a.m. EST on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) each saw over 100 cancellations, while Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) recorded 60 cancellations early Tuesday morning, according to FlightAware data.
Severe Weather Triggers FAA Ground Stops and Delay Programs
A system of heavy thunderstorms accompanied by torrential rain, strong winds, and localized flooding swept across the tri-state area on July 28. These conditions prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to impose ground stops and delay programs for all major New York airports starting Monday, July
27. On Tuesday morning, the FAA issued an additional ground delay program for LaGuardia to maintain safety amid ongoing storm activity.
Flight Disruptions Ripple Across Major U.S. Hubs
As aircraft and crews remain grounded or delayed at New York airports, the cancellations have caused secondary impacts across the national aviation network. Major U.S. hubs including Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, and Charlotte are experiencing delays and cancellations even though their local weather remains clear. This cascading effect results from disrupted schedules and resource availability tied back to the New York region’s flight interruptions.
Airlines Offer Flexible Change Waivers Amid Disruptions
Almost all major airlines operating flights through New York City airports have implemented flexible change policies
for passengers traveling on July 28, 2026. These waivers allow tickets to be changed without penalties in response to the widespread cancellations and operational challenges caused by the storms.
Travelers departing from JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark on July 28 should prepare for significant cancellations and delays. The ongoing weather conditions and FAA restrictions contribute to continued operational strain at the region’s airports and downstream across the broader U.S. flight network.
