Nearly 1,000 flights were cancelled at John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport as of 7 a.m. EST on July 28, 2026, according to FlightAware. Over 100 cancellations were recorded each at JFK and LaGuardia, with 60 more cancelled at Newark. The cancellations followed a July 27 evening that saw more than 100 flights cancelled at LaGuardia, compounded by above-average cancellations at JFK and Newark.
FAA Response to Severe Weather
The Federal Aviation Administration imposed ground stops and delay programs across all major New York City airports on July 27, 2026, in response to a system of heavy thunderstorms bringing
torrential rain, high winds, and localized flooding to the tri-state region. On the morning of July 28, the FAA issued a new ground delay program specifically for LaGuardia Airport. Further delays are anticipated as additional storm activity arrives.
Ripple Effects on Other Major Hubs
Disruptions at the New York City airports are causing cascading impacts on the broader air travel network. Aircraft and crews held at their origin or grounded in New York have resulted in secondary delays and cancellations at other key hubs including Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, and Charlotte airports, despite weather conditions being clear at those locations.
Airline Change Flexibility Amid Disruptions
Nearly all major airlines operating through New
York City airports issued flexible change waivers for travel on July 28, 2026. These waivers allow affected passengers to alter their flight bookings without incurring change fees, providing relief given the widespread cancellations and delays.
