Nearly All Flights Grounded: LaGuardia Shuts Down as 93% of Daily Schedule Is Canceled
New York City — Air travel in and out of New York has been brought to a near standstill after airlines canceled 888 flights at LaGuardia Airport, wiping out 93% of the airport’s scheduled operations for the day. The unprecedented disruption has left thousands of passengers stranded, forcing many to abandon travel plans altogether as severe winter weather continues to hammer the region.
By early morning, departure boards at LaGuardia were dominated by red cancellation notices. Airlines moved quickly to ground flights as heavy snow, strong winds, and icy conditions made runway operations unsafe. Airport officials said the scale of the cancellations reflects both the intensity of the storm and the need to prevent aircraft and crews from becoming stuck in worsening conditions.
The impact has rippled far beyond LaGuardia. With so many flights canceled at one of the nation’s busiest domestic airports, travelers connecting through New York have faced missed connections across the country. Nearby airports, including JFK and Newark, have also reported widespread delays and cancellations, compounding the regional travel crisis.
Passengers described long lines at service counters and jammed phone lines as they tried to rebook flights or secure refunds. Many airlines issued travel waivers, allowing customers to change plans without fees, while urging travelers not to come to the airport unless their flight was confirmed.
Meteorologists warned that conditions could remain unstable, raising the possibility of additional disruptions even after snowfall eases. Airlines and airport crews are expected to work around the clock to clear runways and reposition aircraft once conditions improve, but officials cautioned that a full return to normal operations could take time.
For now, travelers are being advised to monitor flight statuses closely, consider delaying non-essential trips, and prepare for continued uncertainty as one of the most disruptive weather events of the season continues to snarl air travel in New York City.