Over 900 flights canceled: across LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark airports during the morning rush on July 28, according to FAA reports.\n- **LaGuardia was hardest hit** with 441 cancellations and 126 delays by 1 p.m., while JFK saw 336 cancellations and 158 delays, and Newark reported 187 cancellations and 178 delays.\n- **Staffing shortages** at the New York-area air traffic control center triggered ground stops on Monday (July 27), with JFK experiencing average ground delays of 149 minutes and LaGuardia departure delays averaging 120 minutes.\n- **Weather compounded the crisis**: Heavy rain and thunderstorms on Tuesday led to renewed ground stops, with Newark departure delays averaging up to 78 minutes as of midday.\n- **Why this matters**: These disruptions are not isolated incidents. The FAA extended flight limits at NYC airports in June due to a prolonged shortage of air traffic controllers—New York Area Terminal Radar Approach currently operates at only 57% of its targeted staffing levels, a shortfall expected to persist until at least 2027.
The travel chaos unfolding across New York City's airports is a textbook case of compounding crises. On Monday, July 27, the FAA declared ground stops at Newark, JFK, and LaGuardia due to staffing shortages at the New York-area air traffic control center. Average ground delay times exceeded one hour at all three airports, with JFK reporting the worst figure at 149 minutes. LaGuardia saw 35% of all flights delayed, while Newark passengers waited an average of 135 minutes for departures. Philadelphia International Airport was also affected, facing delays of up to 83 minutes due to the same staffing issues.
According to Reuters, the FAA had already extended flight limits at New York's major airports in June 2025 due to the ongoing controller shortage, with restrictions at Newark expected to remain in place until October 2027. The New York Area Terminal Radar Approach facility has only 57% of its targeted controller workforce.
Then came the weather. On Tuesday, July 28, the FAA reissued ground stops at all three airports shortly before 8 a.m. as heavy rain and thunderstorms swept through the region. The ground stops were lifted by 10:30 a.m., but residual delays persisted. By 1 p.m., the damage tally stood at:
| Airport | Delays | Cancellations |
|---------|--------|--------------|
| LaGuardia | 126 | 441 |
| JFK | 158 | 336 |
| Newark | 178 | 187 |
A Flood Watch remains in effect for all five boroughs through Wednesday evening, compiled by Yanuki using the latest trends and data.
The disruptions weren't limited to the Northeast. At Chicago O'Hare International Airport, over half of scheduled flights were canceled or delayed due to thunderstorms, with ground delays averaging 105 minutes. Chicago Midway also saw significant impacts, though those delays were weather-related rather than staffing-driven.
Which NYC airports were affected by the flight disruptions?
All three major airports serving the New York City metropolitan area—LaGuardia (LGA), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and Newark Liberty International (EWR)—experienced ground stops, delays, and cancellations.
What caused the flight cancellations and delays?
Two factors converged: staffing shortages at the New York-area air traffic control center (which caused disruptions on July 27) and severe thunderstorms with heavy rain (which triggered new ground stops on July 28).
How long are the staffing shortages expected to last?
The FAA extended flight limits at NYC airports through at least June 2026, with Newark restrictions in place until October 2027. The air traffic control center operates at only 57% of its target staffing level, with shortfalls expected to persist until next year.
How many flights were canceled in total?
The FAA reported over 900 cancellations across the three airports during the morning rush on July 28. On July 27, 35% of LaGuardia flights were delayed, and average ground delays exceeded one hour at all three airports.
Is there a Flood Watch in effect for New York City?
Yes, a Flood Watch remains in effect for all five boroughs through Wednesday evening due to the ongoing thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
Check your flight status frequently: With conditions changing rapidly, travelers should verify their flight status directly with airlines before heading to the airport.\n- **Know your rights**: Passengers whose flights are canceled or significantly delayed may be entitled to rebooking, refunds, or compensation. Check your airline's customer service policy.\n- **Plan for ongoing disruptions**: The air traffic controller shortage is a structural issue expected to last into 2027. Frequent flyers should consider booking morning flights (which are less prone to compounding delays) and allowing extra connection time.\n- **Who this affects most**: Business travelers, connecting passengers, and anyone with time-sensitive plans are most vulnerable. If you're traveling to or from the NYC area, build buffer time into your itinerary.\n- **Monitor the Flood Watch**: With heavy rain continuing through Wednesday, ground transportation may also be impacted. Allow extra time for driving or public transit to airports.
Were you affected by the flight cancellations or delays at NYC airports this week? Share your experience and let others know how long you had to wait!
*Do you think the FAA is doing enough to address air traffic controller shortages? Let us know your thoughts below.*
Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this travel disruption!
Severe monsoon storms that swept across the Phoenix Valley on Monday night forced a United Airlines flight to make an unscheduled emergency ...
An American Airlines flight bound for Bermuda narrowly avoided a catastrophic collision at Miami International Airport (MIA) on Friday, June...
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL) both initiated ground stops early on June 19, 2026, as severe thun...
Reagan National Airport (DCA) is preparing for significant flight disruptions this summer, particularly around the Fourth of July celebratio...
⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer