- Flight Disruptions
- Severe Snowstorm Causes Major Flight Delays and Cancellations at JFK and LaGuardia Post-Christmas
Severe Snowstorm Causes Major Flight Delays and Cancellations at JFK and LaGuardia Post-Christmas
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on 29 December 2025
What Happened
Post-Christmas travel has been heavily disrupted at JFK and LaGuardia airports due to a strong snowstorm sweeping through the Northeast. Significant delays and cancellations have impacted countless travelers, with both airports struggling to manage the adverse weather conditions. Passengers are advised to check their flight status and prepare for extended wait times as authorities work to clear runways and restore normal operations.
Flight Disruption Details
A powerful snowstorm in the Northeast has resulted in substantial flight disruptions at both John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The adverse weather conditions arrived shortly after Christmas, coinciding with a busy travel period and amplifying the impact on travelers. Airlines operating at both airports faced numerous cancellations and extensive delays as crews worked to maintain safety and clear runways of accumulating snow.
Authorities reported a significant number of flights either canceled or postponed, but specific figures remain unavailable at this time. Passengers at JFK and LaGuardia faced long wait times, with announcements advising them to verify the latest updates on their flights with their respective airlines. Travelers encountered crowded terminals and limited amenities as airport staff managed the influx of delayed and stranded passengers.
While plows and de-icing crews were mobilized to help resume flight operations, the heavy snowfall and poor visibility continued to cause disruption through the day. The extent and duration of impact will depend on weather improvement and restoration of regular schedules by airlines as conditions allow.
Passengers are encouraged to remain patient and flexible with their travel plans as recovery efforts continue at both New York airports.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances — events beyond the airline’s control — you are not entitled to financial compensation, but you still have important rights to care and rebooking. What counts as extraordinary circumstances These include: Severe weather conditions (storms, snow, volcanic ash, etc.)
No compensation
Because the disruption wasn’t under the airline’s control, financial compensation doesn’t apply. Just to be completely sure we always suggest to check for free on our compensation checker
Rerouting or refund
The airline must still offer rerouting at the earliest opportunity or a full refund if you decide not to travel.
Care and assistance
Even when compensation is not owed, the airline must take care of you: Meals and refreshments for long delays Hotel accommodation and transport if you are stranded overnight
Communication
You are entitled to two phone calls or emails to arrange your plans.
Examples: Airport closed due to snow → no compensation, but hotel and food covered. Pilot strike → may qualify (depends on whether airline staff or external). Technical failure → usually eligible for compensation.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Weather issue
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Airports affected
John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
29 December 2025
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
