More than 100 departing flights from Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey, were cancelled Tuesday morning, July 21, 2026, due to severe thunderstorms impacting North Jersey and the Northeastern United States. A stalled weather system brought heavy rain, dangerous lightning, and repeated air traffic restrictions throughout the region, causing widespread disruptions.
FAA Halts Ground Operations, Extended Tarmac Delays
The Federal Aviation Administration halted ground operations Monday night, July 20, 2026, due to frequent lightning making it unsafe for ramp personnel. This stoppage prevented aircraft from departing or parking at gates, forcing arriving flights to remain on the tarmac while departures were immobilized. Some passengers remained
aboard aircraft on the ground for more than seven hours.
Disruptions Spread Across Northeast and Midwest
The backlog generated at Newark Liberty International Airport quickly propagated through the national air traffic system, resulting in delays across numerous airports in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States. Both inbound and outbound flights experienced extended wait times due to ongoing air traffic management measures linked to storm conditions.
Airline Relief Measures and Passenger Rights
Major carriers including United Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines issued travel waivers allowing affected customers to rebook flights without change fees. Passengers with cancelled flights are entitled under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations to a full cash refund
if they decide not to travel. Airlines and the FAA continue to monitor weather and operational conditions as they work to gradually recover normal schedules.
Traveler Advisory
Passengers experiencing cancellations or delays at Newark Liberty International Airport and within the New York metropolitan area are advised to check their flight status before arriving at the airport due to fluctuating conditions and ongoing disruptions across the Northeast and Midwest regions.
