N※N

NYC Airports Grapple with Blizzard Recovery

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. nyc-airports-grapple-with-blizzard-recovery.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 13:02 GMT by Patch
      Locales: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, UNITED STATES

NEW YORK CITY - February 24th, 2026 - The New York City metropolitan area's three major airports - John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR) - are grappling with a multi-day recovery effort following a devastating blizzard that blanketed the region in record snowfall. While the storm itself has passed, the ripple effects are expected to disrupt travel for days to come.

Yesterday, Monday February 23rd, saw initial impacts with widespread delays and cancellations. As of this morning, Tuesday February 24th, the situation remains critical. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that over 1,500 flights have been canceled across the three airports since the onset of the storm, and more than 4,000 flights have experienced significant delays. Current estimates indicate a slow and gradual return to normal operations, with full recovery not expected until late Wednesday or potentially even Thursday.

Detailed Airport Status (as of 6:00 PM EST, February 24th, 2026):

• JFK Airport: The situation at JFK remains the most severe. While snow removal operations are proceeding, the sheer volume of snowfall - exceeding 36 inches in some areas - has presented significant challenges. The average delay for departing flights currently sits at 3 hours and 45 minutes, with arriving flights experiencing delays averaging 4 hours and 15 minutes. Approximately 500 flights have been canceled for today alone, and airlines are proactively canceling flights scheduled for tomorrow morning. The port authority is prioritizing de-icing operations for long-haul international flights, but these are facing extended delays.

• LaGuardia Airport: LaGuardia is experiencing a slightly improved, though still challenging, situation compared to JFK. The airport's shorter runways and higher frequency of short-haul flights have complicated snow removal. Average delays are currently around 2 hours and 30 minutes for both departing and arriving flights. Around 400 flights have been canceled today. Passengers traveling to or from LaGuardia are particularly impacted due to the airport's limited capacity and reliance on connecting flights.

• Newark Liberty International Airport: Newark, often the hardest hit by winter storms due to its geographic location, is also significantly impacted. The airport has received similar snowfall totals to JFK, compounding the issues. Delays average 3 hours for departing flights and 3 hours and 30 minutes for incoming flights. Just over 600 flights have been canceled. The port authority has deployed additional personnel and equipment, but the recovery process is hampered by lingering high winds and icy conditions.

Beyond the Numbers: Passenger Impact & Airline Responses

The blizzard has left thousands of travelers stranded, both at the airports and at connecting cities. Hotels in the vicinity of the airports are reporting near-total occupancy, and ground transportation options are severely limited due to road closures and hazardous conditions. Airlines are offering waivers for change fees and cancellations, but rebooking options are scarce. Passengers are reporting long wait times on airline customer service lines and limited assistance at airport information desks.

Several airlines, including Delta, United, and American, have issued travel advisories encouraging passengers to postpone non-essential travel. JetBlue, which has a significant presence at JFK, has temporarily suspended all flights to and from the airport until tomorrow afternoon. The TSA is reporting longer than usual security wait times due to staffing shortages exacerbated by the storm.

Looking Ahead: Lessons Learned & Future Preparedness

The severity of this blizzard is prompting renewed discussion about infrastructure preparedness and airport resilience. Experts are questioning whether current snow removal equipment and staffing levels are adequate to handle increasingly frequent and intense winter storms driven by climate change. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is expected to conduct a thorough review of its emergency response protocols and consider investments in advanced snow-melting technology and improved weather forecasting systems.

Furthermore, the incident highlights the fragility of the national air transportation system. A single major weather event in a key hub like New York City can have cascading effects across the country, disrupting travel for millions of passengers. The FAA and airlines are urged to collaborate on strategies to minimize disruptions and improve communication with passengers during future weather emergencies. Passengers are advised to closely monitor flight status updates, pack essential supplies, and exercise patience as the airports work to restore normal operations.