The FAA initiated a ground stop at Newark Liberty International Airport before 9:40 a.m. local time on Thursday, August 27, 2026, due to thunderstorms. The stop is projected to remain in effect through at least 10:00 a.m., contributing to significant scheduling disruptions throughout the day.
Delays and Cancellations at New York City Airports
LaGuardia Airport faced a ground delay as of 9:40 a.m. local time, with inbound flights experiencing average delays exceeding 90 minutes. LaGuardia recorded 42 cancellations, representing 7% of its scheduled flights, and 101 delays, or 18% of daily operations, placing it among the most globally affected hubs this morning.
Although John F. Kennedy International Airport
did not institute a ground stop, it encountered disruptions with 19 flight cancellations and 48 delays as of mid-morning. FlightAware data at 9:45 a.m. EDT indicated nationwide impact from the storm system, with 1,522 total flight delays and 172 cancellations across U.S. airspace on August 27.
Traveler Impact and Airline Policies
Travelers departing from New York airports faced delays averaging over an hour once the Newark ground stop lifts. Several major airlines operating in the area issued flexible travel waivers permitting passengers with flights scheduled for August 27 to change or rebook without paying change fees or fare differences.
