Travelers at LaGuardia Airport in New York faced significant disruptions on December 26, 2025, as airlines canceled more than 1,500 flights in response to an impending winter storm. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for New York City, New Jersey, and Long Island, indicating that snowfall could reach up to 9 inches, primarily on Friday night.
By 5 p.m. ET on Friday, over 370 flights, representing more than a quarter of the day’s schedule, were canceled at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Newark Liberty International Airport saw more than 240 cancellations, while Philadelphia International Airport reported over 140 canceled flights. Airlines had already scrapped around 125 flights set to depart Kennedy Airport on Saturday, along with cancellations from Newark and LaGuardia.
Major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue Airways, implemented waivers on change fees for basic economy tickets and assured customers that there would be no fare differences for those rescheduling. However, travelers must complete their rebooked flights by the year’s end, as availability remains limited during the busy Christmas season.
Airlines for America, an industry lobby group, anticipates a record 52.6 million travelers flying between December 19 and January 5, with Friday and Sunday projected to be among the busiest travel days. Airlines typically preemptively cancel flights when severe weather is forecasted to minimize the risk of stranding planes and passengers.
Why this story matters:
- The severe weather impacts travel plans for millions during the holiday season.
Key takeaway:
- Major airlines are adapting to weather challenges by waiving change fees, although availability is expected to be tight.
Opposing viewpoint:
- Some travelers may argue that airlines should provide better contingency plans for weather-related disruptions.
