Severe summer weather on August 11, 2026, disrupted operations at major U.S. airports Chicago O’Hare (ORD), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and LaGuardia (LGA), resulting in over 120 canceled flights and more than 400 delays at ORD by 2 p.m. EDT, while JFK and LaGuardia combined recorded over 100 cancellations and more than 250 delayed flights.
American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue issued waivers for passengers affected by the disruptions at ORD, JFK, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty (EWR), Westchester County (HPN), Long Island MacArthur (ISP), and Boston Logan (BOS) airports. American Airlines is waiving change fees and fare
differences for travel on August 11 through ORD and Northeast airports including JFK, LGA, and EWR, for tickets bought by August 9, with rebooking allowed from August 10 to 13. United Airlines allows fee-free rebooking for Chicago flights departing on August 11, with travel rescheduling permitted between August 9 and 14 in the same cabin at no fare difference. Delta Air Lines extends fee-free rebooking through August 13 for New York metro area airports JFK, LGA, EWR, and HPN for tickets issued on or before August 10. JetBlue waives change and cancellation fees and fare differences for flights touching JFK,
LGA, EWR, HPN, ISP, or BOS on August 10 and 11, with rebooked travel permitted through August 15.
The affected airports include Chicago O’Hare International Airport, John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty International, Westchester County, Long Island MacArthur, and Boston Logan International. Airlines urge passengers impacted by cancellations or delays to manage rescheduling through mobile apps or online portals before proceeding to the airport.
The disruptions stem from severe weather featuring line storms and heavy rain impacting New York and Chicago regions, leading to FAA-enforced ground stops at these key hubs. This operational response aimed to manage traffic flow
amid hazardous conditions.
Major U.S. carriers have responded with extensive waiver policies allowing flexible rebooking and cancellation options for passengers navigating travel interruptions caused by the severe weather at Chicago and New York airports on August 11, 2026.
