Nearly 2,700 flights across the United States 🇺🇸 faced delays today as extreme heat and severe thunderstorms hit major travel hubs, especially New York’s JFK, causing widespread disruption for travelers during the busy summer season. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airlines continue to issue ground stops and change fee waivers as weather conditions worsen.
By 8:00 p.m. ET on July 9, 2025, over 4,400 flights were delayed and more than 500 canceled nationwide, according to FlightAware. The hardest-hit airports include New York’s JFK, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty, Washington Reagan National, Boston Logan, and Philadelphia. Departure delays at JFK and LaGuardia exceeded 90 minutes, with ripple effects across the country. On July 15, nearly 1,500 flights were canceled at Newark, LaGuardia, and Washington Reagan National, while thousands more faced delays due to ongoing storms.
The disruptions stem from a powerful cold front bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and sweltering heat advisories. Extreme heat warnings remain in effect for much of the eastern and southeastern United States 🇺🇸, including Florida, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Flash flood warnings and severe thunderstorm watches are active in Texas, Georgia, Virginia, the Carolinas, and the Mid-Atlantic.
The FAA has issued multiple ground stops at major airports, including Newark, Baltimore-Washington, and Dallas-Fort Worth, citing dangerous weather. Airlines such as Delta, JetBlue, and American Airlines have responded by offering change fee waivers, allowing travelers to rebook flights without penalty. The FAA and airlines are monitoring the situation and may extend waivers or cancel more flights if conditions worsen.
AAA projected a record 72.2 million Americans would travel for the July 4 weekend, with over 61 million by car, partly due to air travel disruptions. During the July 4 holiday week, over 9,600 flight delays and 400 cancellations were reported on a single day.
Travelers are advised to:
- Check flight status frequently using airline websites or apps before heading to the airport.
- Use fee waivers and flexible rebooking options offered by airlines.
- Prepare for long wait times and possible last-minute cancellations.
- Consider alternative transportation, as road travel may offer more flexibility.
If your flight is delayed or canceled:
- Contact your airline immediately via their app, website, or customer service hotline.
- Request rebooking under current fee waiver policies.
- Monitor FAA advisories for real-time updates on airport status.
- Ask about hotel or meal vouchers if stranded.
Meteorologists and travel experts warn that climate change is making extreme weather events more common, leading to more frequent flight delays. Airlines face pressure to improve planning and communication, while experts call for upgrades to air traffic control and airport infrastructure.
For the latest updates on flight delays and weather advisories, visit the official FAA Flight Delay Information. As reported by VisaVerge.com, travelers should rely on official airline communications and real-time tracking services to stay informed and minimize disruption during this period of extreme heat and storms.
Learn Today
FlightAware → A flight tracking service providing real-time flight status, delays, and cancellations nationwide.
Ground stop → FAA order halting aircraft departures from an airport due to hazardous weather or operational issues.
Fee waiver → Airline policy allowing passengers to change flights without paying penalty fees during disruptions.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) → U.S. government agency regulating civil aviation safety and air traffic management.
Severe thunderstorm warning → Official alert for thunderstorms with conditions posing risks like strong winds, hail, or lightning.
This Article in a Nutshell
Extreme heat and thunderstorms caused nearly 2,700 U.S. flight delays, disrupting major hubs like JFK. The FAA issued ground stops, while airlines waived change fees to assist travelers during this busy summer travel season with record holiday weekend numbers.
— By VisaVerge.com
