NEW YORK, (December 27, 2025) — A major winter storm sweeping across the northeastern United States has triggered massive flight cancellations and delays during the peak holiday travel period. Tens of thousands of travelers’ plans have been disrupted and over 1,800 flights have been canceled as a result of the National Weather Service’s warnings for dangerous conditions.
The storm, affecting areas from the Great Lakes to southern New England, prompted airlines to proactively cancel flights as the National Weather Service warned of potentially 10 inches of snow in some regions. The disruptions come at one of the busiest travel times of the year, stranding passengers and overwhelming airport customer service.
Which Airports and Regions Are Most Affected?
Travel disruptions are mostly hitting the Northeast, with New York City’s three main airports facing the largest number of cancellations. JFK, Newark Liberty (EWR), and LaGuardia (LGA) accounted for about half of all canceled flights nationwide.
Major hubs in Detroit (DTW) and Boston (BOS) also reported significant disruptions, with thousands more planes around the region experiencing delays. Airports have taken to social media platform X to alert travelers to check their flight status before heading to terminals, as conditions continue to deteriorate.
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What Are the Official Weather Warnings?
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning stretching from New York City into northeast New Jersey, the Lower Hudson Valley, and parts of Long Island and Connecticut. The agency stated the storm “will cause hazardous travel conditions… today through Saturday morning,” explicitly warning that “road conditions will be treacherous for those travelling back from the holiday.”
New York City officials have issued a formal travel advisory, noting that cold temperatures will limit snowmelt and increase the risk of slippery roads. The combination of freezing rain, sleet, and snow is expected to create dangerous conditions from the Great Lakes into New England through Saturday.
How Is the Storm Impacting Beyond Air Travel?
The storm’s effects are rippling beyond airport terminals. The surge in demand for home heating due to plunging temperatures has lifted the price of US natural gas futures, which rose as much as 3.3% on Friday.
Furthermore, forecasters warn of additional hazards in other regions. Parts of western Pennsylvania are under threat of a potential ice storm, which carries a high risk of power outages and makes road travel exceptionally hazardous. Later this weekend, a stronger cold front is predicted to move across the Northeast, including the Washington D.C. area, potentially bringing blustery conditions for the final days of the year.
Important FAQs
Q: How many flights have been canceled?
A: As of late Friday afternoon, a total of 1,802 flights within, into, or out of the United States were canceled, with an additional 22,349 delayed, according to flight-tracking data.
Q: Which airports are most disrupted?
A: About half of all cancellations occur at the three main airports in the New York City area: LaGuardia (LGA), JFK, and Newark (EWN). The airports in Boston and Detroit are also badly affected.
Q: What is the cause of the travel chaos?
A: A severe winter storm moving across the northeastern U.S. is the direct cause. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for heavy snow, freezing rain, and sleet, creating hazardous conditions that make flying and driving unsafe.
Q: How long will the disruptions last?
A: The National Weather Service warns hazardous conditions will persist through Saturday morning. Airline schedules may remain affected into Saturday as carriers work to reposition aircraft and crew.