More than 100 departing flights from Newark Liberty International Airport were canceled on the morning of July 21, 2026, following severe thunderstorms and a stalled weather system that caused heavy rain, dangerous lightning, and repeated air traffic restrictions across North Jersey and the Northeast United States.
FAA Ground Halt and Widespread Delays
The Federal Aviation Administration halted ground operations at Newark Liberty International Airport on Monday night before July 21 due to frequent lightning, which made it unsafe for ramp personnel to work outdoors. This suspension stopped aircraft from departing or docking at gates, forcing arriving flights to wait on the tarmac while departure flights were
stuck. Some passengers remained onboard aircraft for over seven hours as a backlog at Newark developed.
Flight disruptions spread throughout the New York metropolitan area and caused delays, gate holds, and cancellations affecting hundreds of travelers. The disruptions extended beyond Newark, impacting the national air traffic network across the Northeast and Midwest regions.
Airline Responses and Passenger Options
Major carriers United Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines issued travel waivers allowing affected customers to rebook flights without change fees. Under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, passengers with canceled flights are entitled to full cash refunds if they opt not to travel.
Travel Advisories Amid Ongoing Weather-Related Restrictions
FAA and airlines continue close
monitoring of weather and air traffic conditions, working to restore normal operations at Newark Liberty International Airport. Travelers affected by the severe weather are urged to check current flight statuses before going to the airport.
