When will ground stops at LaGuardia, Newark and JFK airports be lifted today? Latest updates amid severe storm forecast
NYC Airport Ground Stops: When Will LaGuardia, Newark and JFK Lift?
Bharatmorningnews.com – Travelers across New York City are wondering when will ground stops at LaGuardia, Newark Liberty International, and John F. Kennedy airports be lifted amid severe weather. The Federal Aviation Administration has implemented ground stop restrictions at multiple airports as thunderstorms sweep through the tri-state region, causing widespread flight disruptions for thousands of passengers.
Current Ground Stop Status at NYC Airports
LaGuardia Airport's ground stop remains active until 5:15pm local time, while Newark's continues through 6:00pm. Officials anticipate these restrictions may be extended since severe storms are forecast to affect the area through evening hours. The situation is particularly challenging for travelers planning evening departures or arrivals during this critical window.
A Traffic Management Program is currently operational for LaGuardia arrivals due to weather and thunderstorm activity. This has resulted in arriving flights experiencing an average delay of 57 minutes. General departure delays are climbing, with gate hold and taxi times ranging from 2 hours and 31 minutes to 2 hours and 45 minutes. Meanwhile, arrival traffic is encountering airborne delays of 15 minutes or less.
At Newark, the FAA confirmed a similar Traffic Management Program is active because of weather and thunderstorms. Arriving flights are facing an average delay of 2 hours and 18 minutes, while departing traffic bound for Newark is experiencing identical average delays. Gate hold and taxi times for departures are running between 2 hours and 1 minute and 2 hours and 15 minutes, with figures continuing to rise.
JFK Airport Update
Although the ground stop at Kennedy Airport has been lifted, passengers are still dealing with substantial delays averaging over five hours. The FAA reported that a Traffic Management Program is also in place for JFK arrivals due to weather and thunderstorms. Some arriving flights are delayed an average of 5 hours and 46 minutes, with departing traffic destined for JFK experiencing the same average delay.
The FAA cautioned that because the traffic management program is holding some arriving flights, departing flight schedules may also be impacted. Travelers are encouraged to contact their airlines for the latest information. For real-time updates, passengers can visit Hindustan Times travel section or check their airline's official website.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Details
The National Weather Service has issued Severe Thunderstorm Watch 540, which remains in effect until 9pm EDT this evening for portions of Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York.
In Connecticut, the watch encompasses Fairfield County in the southern part of the state. New Jersey coverage includes five northeastern counties: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Union. The New York watch covers ten southeastern counties: Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), Nassau, New York (Manhattan), Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond (Staten Island), Rockland, and Westchester.
Travel Tips During Ground Stops
Passengers experiencing delays should consider several strategies to minimize inconvenience. First, download your airline's mobile app to receive push notifications about gate changes and flight status updates. Second, check alternative routing options if your flight is significantly delayed. Third, allow extra time for ground transportation, as traffic congestion often accompanies airport disruptions.
For those with connecting flights, contact your airline immediately to explore rebooking options. Many carriers offer complimentary rebooking when weather-related disruptions occur. Additionally, travelers with travel insurance should document any delays, as these may qualify for compensation depending on policy terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will ground stops at LaGuardia be completely lifted? A: Ground stops at LaGuardia are expected to be lifted by 5:15pm local time, though this may extend if severe storms persist beyond the forecast period.
Q: Are all flights cancelled during ground stops? A: No, flights continue to operate but with delays. Ground stops primarily affect new arrivals while allowing existing flights to continue their journeys.
Q: How long do ground stop delays typically last? A: Delays during ground stops range from 30 minutes to over 5 hours depending on the airport and severity of weather conditions.
Q: Should I rebook my flight if I have a ground stop? A: Consider rebooking only if your delay exceeds 3-4 hours or if you have time-sensitive commitments. Many airlines offer free rebooking during weather events.
Q: Which NYC airport has the worst delays today? A: JFK currently shows the longest average delays at over 5 hours, while LaGuardia and Newark have more moderate delays of approximately 2 hours.
Weather conditions have caused LGA Airport flight disruptions. Check with your airline to determine the status of your flight.
As the storm system moves through the region, authorities continue monitoring conditions closely. Passengers are advised to remain patient and stay informed through official channels for the most accurate and timely updates regarding flight operations across all three major New York City airports.