Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall on August 11, 2026, caused extensive flight disruptions at major U.S. airports including Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
Flight Cancellation and Delay Numbers at Major Hubs
As of 2 p.m. EDT on August 11, Chicago O’Hare reported over 120 flight cancellations and more than 400 delays. In the New York metropolitan area, JFK and LGA combined for more than 100 canceled flights and upwards of 250 delayed departures and arrivals amid the severe weather conditions.
Airline Weather Waivers for Affected Passengers
American Airlines is waiving change fees and fare differences for travelers with tickets purchased by August 9, for
flights through ORD and Northeast airports including JFK, LGA, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on August 11. Rebooked travel must be completed between August 10 and August 13. United Airlines permits fee-free rebooking for Chicago flights departing on August 11, with travel rescheduling allowed from August 9 through August 14 without fare differences.
Delta Air Lines extends fee waivers to tickets issued on or before August 10 for flights involving JFK, LGA, EWR, and Westchester County Airport (HPN), allowing free rebooking through August 13. JetBlue covers flights touching JFK, LGA, EWR, HPN, Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), or Boston
Logan International Airport (BOS) on August 10 and 11, waiving change and cancellation fees and fare differences with rebooked travel permitted through August 15.
Passenger Guidance and Industry Impact
The airlines involved encourage passengers affected by cancellations and delays at ORD, JFK, LGA, and EWR to utilize mobile applications or online platforms for rebooking options before arriving at the airport. Chicago O’Hare experienced the highest disruption totals nationally on August 11, reflecting the severity of summer weather impacting key U.S. air travel hubs. Major carriers have proactively issued waivers to accommodate travel adjustments due to these weather-related interruptions.
