New York and Northeast Brace for Heavy Snow, Travel Chaos Amid Holiday Travel Rush
Air travel in the United States was severely disrupted on Friday, with airlines cancelling around 1,100 flights and nearly 4,000 others delayed as a winter snowstorm swept across the Northeast, including New York and surrounding states, flight tracking data showed.
The severe weather comes during one of the busiest travel periods of the year — right after Christmas — adding pressure to an already strained transport network.
Flight Cancellations and Delays
According to flight tracking website FlightAware, as of early afternoon Eastern Time on Friday:
- About 1,191 flights were cancelled across the United States
- 3,974 flights were delayed amid heavy snow and winter storm warnings
These figures reflect nationwide travel disruption, with major airports in the New York metropolitan area particularly hard hit.
New York area airports — including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport — reported a large share of cancellations and delays, with several hundred flights affected at each hub.
Weather and Snow Forecast
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued winter storm warnings for the Northeast, forecasting heavy snow, strong winds and treacherous travel conditions. New York City was expected to receive up to 10 inches of snow in some areas overnight, with temperatures well below freezing, complicating both air and road travel.
Local officials warned that road conditions could become dangerous for holiday travellers returning home or heading to airports.
Airport and Airline Responses
In response to the storm and flight disruptions, several major airlines issued travel advisories. Passengers were urged to:
- Check their flight status before travelling to the airport
- Allow extra time for arrivals and departures
- Consider rebooking options due to cancellations
Airlines also waived change fees, allowing travellers flexibility as weather conditions led to unpredictable schedules.
Airport crews and snow removal teams were working through the day to clear runways and de-ice aircraft, but heavy snowfall slowed operations.
Impact on Holiday Travel
The heavy snowfall and flight disruptions came as many travellers were returning home or flying for New Year celebrations, making the impact widespread and particularly stressful for passengers and airport staff.
