Thousands of Flights Canceled at JFK and LaGuardia Due to Snowstorm, Contributing to Over 5,700 Nationwide Cancellations

On the morning of February 25, 2026, New York City was hit by a powerful winter storm that blanketed the region with nearly 60 centimeters (about 24 inches) of snow. The intense snowstorm caused significant disruptions, particularly in air travel, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights. At John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York’s primary airport hub, more than 400 flights were canceled on the day of the storm, leaving thousands of travelers stranded or facing delayed departures.

This article examines the impact of the snowstorm on travel in New York, focusing on JFK Airport, the broader disruptions to air travel across the United States, and the response from local authorities.

Snowstorm Hits New York City

The winter storm, which swept through several states across the U.S., brought one of the heaviest snowfalls to New York City in over a decade. Central Park recorded a staggering 60 centimeters of snow, making it one of the largest snowfalls in the area in recent years. The storm created hazardous conditions on the roads, with snow piling up quickly, making it difficult for cars, buses, and emergency vehicles to move.

In response to the worsening conditions, a travel ban was implemented, keeping most vehicles off the streets. Only buses, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles were allowed to operate, and they moved slowly, equipped with snow chains to help them navigate the snowy roads. Despite the challenging conditions, New York City officials worked quickly to deploy snow removal crews, but the severity of the storm meant that travel remained difficult for many.

JFK Airport Struggles with Severe Disruptions

Amidst the snowstorm, JFK Airport remained open, though operations were significantly affected. According to FlightAware, a flight tracking service, 426 flights were canceled on the day of the storm, representing a substantial disruption to air travel at the airport. JFK, one of the busiest airports in the United States, is known for handling more than 335,000 passengers daily, and such a large number of cancellations was a major blow to travelers relying on the airport for domestic and international flights.

Flight cancellations were not limited to JFK alone. The snowstorm impacted several major airports in the Northeast, including LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in Queens, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey, and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). At LaGuardia, nearly 98% of flights were canceled, and Newark and Boston also experienced widespread cancellations, with more than 2,000 flights grounded across the United States.

Widespread Cancellations Across the U.S.

The snowstorm didn’t just impact New York City. As it moved across the East Coast, it led to widespread flight disruptions, especially at major airports in the Northeast. The U.S. aviation industry saw thousands of cancellations as a result of the storm’s effects.

On Monday, February 24, a total of 5,706 flights were canceled across the United States, including many at major airports like LaGuardia, JFK, Boston, Newark, and Philadelphia. FlightAware data indicated that JFK alone had 91% of its flights canceled, a staggering statistic for an airport that serves as a critical hub for both domestic and international travel. The severity of the storm’s impact on air traffic highlights the vulnerability of airports in regions prone to winter weather.

The airport cancellations were compounded by the broader impact of the storm, which also caused delays in air traffic control and de-icing operations. With snow accumulation on runways, taxiways, and airplane surfaces, de-icing became a critical step in getting flights airborne, further delaying departures. Ground operations at JFK and other airports struggled to keep pace with the demands of the situation.

Impact on Passengers and Airline Communication

For passengers at JFK and other affected airports, the snowstorm brought frustration, confusion, and uncertainty. Travelers were left scrambling to find alternate flights, rebook their tickets, or figure out how to handle the unexpected delays. Many faced long lines at check-in counters and customer service desks, as airline staff worked to assist passengers with rebooking flights or arranging accommodations.

In light of the snowstorm, airlines and airport authorities strongly advised passengers to stay informed and check with their respective airlines regarding flight statuses. Travelers were also encouraged to monitor the airport’s official website for real-time updates on cancellations and delays. With the high volume of flight disruptions, passengers faced a challenging situation, particularly those with tight connections or who were trying to catch international flights.

Additionally, some passengers faced challenges with limited options for rebooking flights, as the storm caused a backlog of cancellations across several major hubs. With such high numbers of cancellations, seats on alternative flights were scarce, making it difficult for many travelers to secure new departure times.

Emergency Response and Efforts to Protect Vulnerable Populations

While the winter storm wreaked havoc on travel plans, New York City authorities worked quickly to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations, particularly the homeless. Mayor Zohran Mamdani reported that despite the severe weather, there were zero outdoor deaths among the homeless, thanks in part to the city’s expanded shelter capacity and emergency outreach efforts.

City agencies were proactive in providing emergency shelter and transportation to individuals who were at risk of being exposed to the harsh winter conditions. The outreach teams distributed blankets, food, and other essential supplies to those in need, ensuring that no one was left stranded in the cold.

In addition to addressing homelessness, the city’s snow removal teams were out in full force, clearing streets and sidewalks as quickly as possible. While the volume of snow made it challenging for city workers to keep up, their efforts helped to alleviate some of the pressure on public transportation systems.

Looking Ahead: Dealing with the Aftermath of the Storm

As the storm moved out of the region, the focus shifted to clearing the aftermath and resuming normal operations. Airports, including JFK, began working to restore flights, though it would take several days for the situation to fully return to normal.

Airlines, passengers, and airport authorities faced the challenging task of navigating the backlog of canceled flights, while travelers who were affected by the storm worked to get back on track with their journeys.

While the storm’s impact was widespread and disruptive, it served as a reminder of the challenges that winter weather poses to transportation systems. It also underscored the importance of preparedness and the need for travelers to stay informed in the event of adverse weather conditions.

In conclusion, the snowstorm that hit New York City on February 25, 2026, created major disruptions at JFK Airport and throughout the Northeast, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights. The impact was felt by passengers across the region, who were forced to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. Authorities responded quickly to ensure public safety, and airlines and passengers continue to work through the aftermath of this powerful winter storm.

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