Major East Coast airports have been hit with significant travel disruptions as a string of storms triggered ground delays and cancellations just before a busy holiday weekend.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed a ground delay at JFK International Airport shortly after 4 p.m. on June 30, resulting in average departure delays of around 90 minutes. Newark Liberty Airport faced more severe issues, with thunderstorms and ongoing staffing shortages causing flight delays of up to four hours. Meanwhile, LaGuardia Airport experienced wait times of up to three hours under a Traffic Management Program for incoming aircraft.
Additional disruptions were reported in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., as storms swept up the Atlantic corridor. According to FlightAware data, the region recorded nearly 600 cancellations and close to 1,900 delays — with LaGuardia alone responsible for approximately 180 cancellations and 400 delays.
Travel experts warn that these delays could ripple across the national air travel system, leaving even more passengers stranded during what is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
What travelers should do:
- Check flight status regularly and enroll in alerts from airlines.
- Arrive early—consider adding at least two extra hours for holiday travel.
- Monitor weather and airport notices to prepare for further disruptions.
As vacationers ready themselves for the holiday weekend, those flying along the East Coast are urged to stay vigilant, flexible, and informed amid evolving weather conditions over the next few days.
With input from Fox News.
