Severe thunderstorms on August 11, 2026, caused widespread flight disruptions at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and New York area airports John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA). By 2 p.m. EDT, Chicago O’Hare had recorded more than 120 canceled flights and over 400 delays, making it the hardest-hit U.S. hub that day. Combined cancellations at JFK and LGA exceeded 100, with over 250 delayed departures amid persistent storms and heavy rainfall.
In response, major U.S. airlines implemented flexible rebooking policies and waived fees for passengers affected by the adverse weather conditions. American Airlines canceled change fees and fare
differences for tickets purchased by August 9, allowing travel through August 13 at ORD and New York metropolitan airports JFK, LGA, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). United Airlines offered fee-free rebooking for Chicago flights departing August 11, with rescheduled travel permitted between August 9 and August 14 in the same class of service.
Delta Air Lines extended its waiver for tickets issued on or before August 10 to include travel through JFK, LGA, EWR, and Westchester County Airport (HPN), allowing changes without fees for travel through August 13. JetBlue covered flights that touched JFK, LGA, EWR, HPN, Long Island
MacArthur (ISP), or Boston Logan (BOS) on August 10 and 11, waiving change and cancellation fees as well as fare differences. JetBlue rebookings were valid through August 15.
Airlines advised passengers to use their online platforms and mobile applications to manage rescheduling amid the disruptions caused by the storms. These measures aimed to accommodate travelers experiencing delays and cancellations at Chicago O’Hare, JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports.
