Travelers across the East Coast faced major disruptions on Monday evening as storms rolled in, causing significant flight delays. Airports from New York to Washington, DC, reported a surge in delays, stranding many passengers just before the holiday weekend.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a ground delay at New York’s JFK International Airport shortly after 4 p.m., with average departure delays reaching around 90 minutes. Newark Liberty International Airport was hit particularly hard, experiencing delays of up to four hours due to thunderstorms and ongoing staffing shortages. These disruptions are expected to continue affecting flights until early Tuesday morning.
LaGuardia Airport also struggled, with delays extending up to three hours. The FAA implemented a Traffic Management Program to help manage the flow of incoming flights. Philadelphia International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport reported delays averaging two hours as the storms moved through the region.
In total, five major airports logged about 600 cancellations and 1,900 delays. LaGuardia led the numbers with approximately 180 canceled flights and 400 delayed ones, according to data from FlightAware. The combination of bad weather and staffing issues has created a perfect storm for travelers, making for a frustrating start to the holiday travels.
As travelers prepare for the busy weekend ahead, experts warn that the ripple effects from Newark’s staffing shortages and the storms could impact airports far beyond the immediate area. Bobby Laurie, a travel expert, discussed these concerns on “Fox & Friends First,” emphasizing how these issues might lead to a cascading effect on flights across the country.
With the holiday weekend approaching, travelers are advised to stay informed about their flight status and be prepared for possible delays.