Airports in New York City delay and cancel flights due to high winds.

All flights operating in and out of John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport have experienced significant delays and cancellations due to traffic restrictions imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These measures come as a result of high winds exacerbated by ongoing staffing shortages at the airports, which have been reported by officials.

As of this Friday, a ground stop is in effect at JFK, prohibiting both takeoffs and landings until 7:30 PM. During this period, incoming flights are being held at their originating airports, causing cascading effects on travel plans across the region. Once the ground stop is lifted at 7:30 PM, only 30 aircraft per hour will be permitted to land at JFK, a number that is expected to increase slightly to 36 aircraft per hour through the following Saturday morning.

LaGuardia and Newark airports are experiencing similar operational delays, primarily driven by the same combination of high winds and ongoing staffing concerns facing the aviation industry. Travelers are advised to prepare for extensive delays, with current estimates indicating that arrivals at JFK could be delayed by anywhere from one hour to 100 minutes. Newark is facing arrival delays ranging from 100 to 170 minutes, while travelers arriving at LaGuardia should anticipate delays of between 140 minutes and up to five hours.

Winds are projected to reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, with gusts climbing to 45 miles per hour, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service. These weather conditions are expected to persist until around midnight, and authorities caution that additional restrictions may be imposed if the situation deteriorates further.

Travelers are urged to remain vigilant and monitor their flight statuses as the situation develops. They are encouraged to check with their respective airlines for updates regarding delays and cancellations, as well as to explore alternative travel plans if necessary. With travel disruptions affecting major airports in the region, passengers are reminded to exercise patience and preparedness during this challenging period.