Snowstorm Wreaks Havoc at NYC Airports: Hundreds of Flights Canceled Due to Winter Weather

Published on December 26, 2025

New York’s major airports are experiencing severe disruptions due to a powerful winter storm, which has caused hundreds of flight cancellations and delays. The National Weather Service has warned of up to 9 inches (23 cm) of snow falling on the city and nearby areas from Friday through Saturday, with severe impacts on air travel during the busy holiday period.

As a result, New York City’s airports are bracing for a turbulent travel experience, with airlines scrambling to manage the surge of affected flights. The storm, which has hit the region with full force, has led to widespread chaos at John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), severely hampering the usual holiday traffic flow.

Flight Cancellations and Delays Skyrocket

According to AccuWeather, the storm is expected to intensify through the night, further complicating travel conditions. With over 100 flight cancellations already reported at JFK alone, passengers are facing long delays and rescheduled flights. This has left many travellers stranded at the terminals, unable to get on the flights they had booked months in advance. The snowstorm is expected to continue disrupting air travel throughout the weekend, with further delays likely in the coming days as the region digs out from the snow.

Airport officials are advising passengers to check flight statuses regularly and anticipate possible cancellations or delays, especially with the heightened holiday rush. The storm’s timing couldn’t be worse, as millions of people head to airports across the U.S. to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

A Frustrating Holiday Travel Nightmare

The storm’s impact on the busiest airports in New York comes as a blow to travellers who were hoping for a smooth journey. With the peak of the holiday travel period upon us, hundreds of thousands of passengers are facing difficulties trying to make their way to family reunions, business trips, and holiday destinations. The New York City metro area, one of the busiest air travel hubs in the world, is feeling the strain as passengers try to navigate the chaos.

“Airlines and airport staff are working tirelessly to rebook passengers and manage the delays,” says a spokesperson from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “We recommend all passengers arriving or departing from the area to stay updated on their flight statuses and give themselves extra time for the added delays.”

With more than 2,000 flights cancelled across the U.S. on the storm’s first day, the ripple effect is being felt nationwide, with major airports like Chicago O’Hare and Boston Logan also reporting disruptions. New York City, which plays host to some of the world’s busiest travel days, is now at the epicenter of this chaotic weather event.

Preparing for Further Disruptions

With a forecast of continued snow and ice accumulation over the next 48 hours, it’s expected that delays and cancellations will continue well into the weekend. LaGuardia Airport, one of New York City’s key travel hubs, remains operational but is struggling to manage the influx of delayed flights and rebooked passengers. Similarly, Newark Liberty is operating at a reduced capacity, with additional flight cancellations expected as the storm worsens.

Airport authorities have ramped up efforts to address the backlog, but the snowstorm’s impact is likely to be felt for the foreseeable future. On the ground, snow removal crews have been working around the clock to keep runways clear, but progress has been slow due to the volume of snow falling. For many, it’s a matter of waiting out the storm and hoping for clear skies soon.

National Weather Service’s Warning

The National Weather Service has warned that the storm could have long-lasting effects on travel across the northeastern U.S. This weather event is not just an inconvenience; it’s a serious situation that has prompted government agencies and airlines to issue safety advisories. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively monitoring the situation, providing up-to-the-minute updates on flight statuses and advising air traffic controllers to be prepared for possible delays in handling flights.

In addition to heavy snow accumulation, freezing temperatures are causing concerns over ice buildup on aircraft surfaces, which could lead to further delays in de-icing operations. Passengers are urged to exercise caution, especially those with connections or longer layovers in impacted airports.

Navigating the Chaos

For travellers heading to or from New York City’s airports, there are a few ways to make the journey a bit smoother. First, always check your flight status and stay informed about potential delays. If you are waiting at the airport, consider visiting the airport’s website or using a flight tracker app to get real-time updates. For those who are heading to the airport by car, expect significant delays in road traffic as the snowstorm has also affected travel conditions on highways, including Interstate 95 and the New Jersey Turnpike.

The Port Authority has encouraged passengers to plan for extra time at security and check-in due to the extra challenges caused by the weather conditions. Road conditions outside the airport terminals may also affect how quickly passengers can make their way into the airport. Given that New York’s subways are also dealing with weather-related disruptions, it may be wise to consider alternatives like taxis or ride-sharing services.

Looking Ahead: Will the Weather Impact Holiday Travel Beyond NYC?

While New York City and its airports are currently bearing the brunt of the snowstorm, travelers across the country should prepare for ripple effects that may affect holiday travel plans. Major hubs such as Chicago, Boston, and Washington, D.C. are already reporting delays, and the storm is expected to impact other airports across the U.S. in the coming days. Airlines are working to adjust their schedules as needed, but passengers may want to consider flexibility when planning flights over the next week.