Massive US Winter Storm Grounds 2,250+ Flights, Declaring Snow Emergency in Northeast

December 27, 2025 at 07:03 AM•3 min read

Over 2,250 commercial flights were canceled or delayed across the US Northeast as a massive winter storm prompted snow emergency declarations in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Key Points

1Over 2,250 commercial flights were canceled across the US Northeast on Friday and Saturday.
2Major hubs John F. Kennedy, Newark Liberty International, and LaGuardia Airport saw the highest disruptions.
3States of Emergency were declared in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania due to heavy snow and ice storm warnings.
4The FAA implemented ground delay programs to manage air traffic flow safely.

A massive US winter storm swept the Northeast early Saturday. The storm caused widespread major airport disruptions and travel chaos. Snow emergency declarations were issued in New York and New Jersey.

More than 1,600 inbound and outbound commercial flights were canceled Friday. An additional 650 flights were canceled Saturday. This brings the total over 2200 flights canceled for the weekend. Over 7,800 flights faced significant air travel delays due to the worsening weather.

Aviation Operations Disrupted

The storm severely impacted the region's major aviation hubs. The three most affected airports were John F. Kennedy (JFK), Newark Liberty International (EWR), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). These three airports accounted for the bulk of the nationwide flight disruptions.

The flight-tracking service FlightAware reported the extensive cancellations and delays. Airlines, including JetBlue and Delta, issued travel waivers for affected passengers. The FAA indicated that ground delay programs were likely. These programs help manage the flow of air traffic into the Northeast. This is critical for maintaining safety during poor conditions.

Displaced aircraft and crews will cause ripple effects nationwide. The commercial aviation news highlights ongoing challenges during peak holiday travel. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) stresses the need for robust winter operations planning.

Northeast Travel Chaos

The National Weather Service issued ice storm warnings across New York State and Connecticut. Forecasters expect up to a foot of snow for Long Island and the Hudson Valley.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a New York snow emergency. Hochul noted that New York City could see its highest snowfall since 2022. Snowfall rates could reach two or more inches per hour. The Governor urged residents to avoid all unnecessary travel.

States of emergency were also declared in Pennsylvania and much of Massachusetts. New Jersey's acting governor, Tahesha Way, also issued a state of emergency. Way warned that the storm would cause dangerous road conditions. Commercial vehicle restrictions were placed on interstate highways. Authorities accelerated preparations, brining streets and readying snow ploughs.

Industry Impact and Outlook

Airlines face significant operational and financial challenges from the storm. The cost of cancellations and rebooking is substantial. The storm's timing during the post-holiday travel rush amplified the impact. Passengers face limited options for rebooking flights.

Safety is the top priority for the Boeing-built fleet and all aircraft.
Airlines waived change fees to help stranded travelers.
Treacherous road conditions complicate airport access for passengers and staff.

Stakeholders are closely monitoring the weather outlook. Further disruptions are possible as the storm moves. For the latest commercial aviation news updates, check flying.flights.