Newark, NJ – More than 100 departing flights from Newark Liberty International Airport were canceled Tuesday morning as airlines struggled to recover from severe thunderstorms that swept across North Jersey and the Northeast.
A stalled weather system brought heavy rain, dangerous lightning, and repeated air traffic restrictions, creating a cascading backlog that continued into Tuesday. Flight delays, gate holds, and cancellations affected hundreds of travelers across the New York metropolitan area.
Lightning ground stop triggered widespread disruptions
The Federal Aviation Administration halted ground operations Monday night after frequent lightning made it unsafe for ramp personnel to work outside. With aircraft unable to depart or park at gates, arriving flights were forced to wait on the tarmac while departures remained stuck, leaving some passengers aboard aircraft for more than seven hours.
The disruptions quickly spread throughout the national air traffic network as inbound and outbound flights were delayed across the Northeast and Midwest.
Airlines issue travel waivers
Major carriers, including United Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines, have issued travel waivers allowing eligible customers to rebook affected flights without change fees.
Passengers whose flights are canceled are also entitled to a full cash refund if they choose not to travel, under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.
Because weather conditions and air traffic restrictions continue to change, travelers are urged to check their flight status before leaving for the airport. The FAA and airlines continue monitoring conditions as operations gradually recover.
