Travelers across the United States are asking one urgent question this week: what airports will be affected on Friday? As of Thursday, November 6, 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Weather Service (NWS) have issued several advisories warning of widespread flight disruptions heading into Friday, November 8. A powerful winter storm sweeping across the Midwest and Northeast, combined with coastal fog, heavy rain, and high winds, could lead to one of the busiest and most delay-filled travel days of the fall season.
If you have plans to fly this Friday, it’s essential to know which airports are expected to be affected, how long disruptions might last, and what steps airlines are taking to minimize delays. This detailed guide breaks down everything you need to know about Friday’s flight forecast and which parts of the country are most at risk for travel headaches.
Major Airports Expected to Be Affected on Friday
The FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center has already identified multiple airports likely to face weather-related disruptions and operational slowdowns. These include several major U.S. hubs that handle tens of thousands of passengers daily.
Here’s an overview of the airports most likely to be affected on Friday, November 8, 2025:
| Region | Airports Impacted | Primary Cause of Delay |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | JFK (NY), LaGuardia (NY), Newark (NJ), Boston Logan (MA), Philadelphia (PA) | Snow, freezing rain, and strong winds causing de-icing delays and visibility issues. |
| Midwest | Chicago O’Hare (IL), Chicago Midway (IL), Detroit Metro (MI), Minneapolis–St. Paul (MN), Cleveland Hopkins (OH) | Heavy snow and gusts up to 45 mph expected, creating ground delays. |
| South & Southeast | Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (GA), Charlotte Douglas (NC), Nashville (TN), Dallas/Fort Worth (TX) | Thunderstorms and reduced visibility during peak travel hours. |
| West Coast | Los Angeles (CA), San Francisco (CA), Seattle (WA), Portland (OR) | Morning fog and high winds affecting early departures. |
Travel officials expect Chicago O’Hare, Newark, and Boston Logan to be among the most impacted airports, with potential multi-hour delays during morning and evening rush periods.
Weather Outlook: Winter Storm Sweeps Across the U.S.
The main cause of Friday’s expected flight disruptions is a strong winter storm system tracking from the Rocky Mountains to the Northeast corridor. Meteorologists warn that this system could deliver a dangerous mix of snow, sleet, and rain along a wide path, affecting both ground and air travel.
Key weather highlights for Friday, November 8, 2025:
- Heavy Snow: Midwest cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit could see between 4 to 8 inches of accumulation by Friday evening.
- Freezing Rain: New York, Boston, and parts of Pennsylvania will likely experience icy precipitation that could impact runway conditions.
- Thunderstorms: Strong storms are forecast in the South, particularly around Atlanta, Charlotte, and Nashville.
- Coastal Fog: Persistent morning fog is expected to cause low visibility in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
The National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories for at least 10 states, warning travelers to plan ahead and expect “major travel impacts.”
FAA Alerts and Air Traffic Control Adjustments
To minimize the effects of bad weather, the FAA has activated its Air Traffic Flow Management program, which helps control congestion in high-volume airports.
The agency is implementing:
- Ground Delay Programs (GDPs) at Chicago O’Hare, Newark, and Boston.
- Airspace re-routing to avoid severe weather systems in the Midwest.
- Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) protocols to help airlines adjust flight schedules efficiently.
Travelers can check the FAA’s official Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) website for real-time updates on airport delays and operational status.
Top Five Airports Facing Major Travel Disruptions
Based on the latest forecasts and FAA reports, these are the five U.S. airports most likely to experience heavy delays or cancellations on Friday:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Expected snowfall: 6–8 inches
- Wind gusts: Up to 40 mph
- Estimated delays: 90–180 minutes
- Airlines are preemptively canceling select flights to reduce congestion.
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- Freezing rain and reduced visibility expected throughout Friday.
- Ground stops likely between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. ET.
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Strong winds up to 45 mph and icy runways could disrupt takeoffs and landings.
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
- Morning thunderstorms with lightning could cause short-term ground holds.
- Connecting flights through ATL may face residual delays throughout the day.
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Fog density below ¼ mile expected early Friday.
- Departure slowdowns anticipated until mid-morning.
If you’re connecting through any of these hubs, airlines are encouraging passengers to check their flight status regularly and consider rescheduling if possible.
Airline Waivers and Customer Support Updates
In anticipation of Friday’s conditions, most major airlines have released weather waivers allowing customers to rebook flights without penalties or change fees.
Here’s a summary of current airline policies as of Thursday, November 6, 2025:
- American Airlines: Waivers in place for flights through Northeast and Midwest airports from Nov. 8–9.
- Delta Air Lines: Free rebooking for affected flights through Atlanta, New York, Chicago, and Boston.
- United Airlines: Flexible change options for flights to/from Chicago, Newark, Denver, and Cleveland.
- Southwest Airlines: Waivers available for flights through Dallas, Nashville, and Denver.
- JetBlue Airways: Rebooking flexibility for customers flying through JFK, BOS, and PHL.
Airlines recommend using mobile apps for rebooking and flight tracking since call center wait times may increase as Friday’s disruptions develop.
Staffing and Maintenance Complications Add to Delays
Beyond weather, several airports continue to face staffing challenges and maintenance work, which could add to Friday’s congestion.
- JFK and LaGuardia (NY): Limited air traffic control staffing during overnight shifts may affect early morning flights.
- Los Angeles (LAX): Runway 25R maintenance has reduced operational capacity by 15% through mid-November.
- Denver International (DEN): Taxiway resurfacing continues, potentially slowing aircraft taxi times.
- Chicago Midway (MDW): Intermittent runway closures scheduled throughout Friday afternoon.
Airports are working closely with the FAA to manage traffic and avoid cascading delays across the network.
Tips for Travelers Flying on Friday
If you’re flying through one of the affected airports, preparation will make a big difference. Travel experts recommend the following tips for navigating Friday’s challenges:
- Check your flight status early and often. Airline apps and websites update faster than airport monitors.
- Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. Security lines may be longer due to weather-related congestion.
- Keep essentials in your carry-on. Include chargers, medications, and an extra outfit in case of overnight delays.
- Sign up for text or email alerts. These notifications will keep you informed about gate changes or cancellations.
- Consider booking earlier flights. Morning flights are less likely to be canceled than evening departures.
- Know your rights. If your flight is canceled, airlines must rebook you on the next available flight without additional cost.
Being proactive can save hours of waiting and frustration at crowded terminals.
Regional Forecast Overview
Here’s a region-by-region look at how weather will impact airports nationwide on Friday, November 8, 2025:
Northeast:
- Expect freezing rain and snow across New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
- Philadelphia (PHL) may face sleet in the morning, turning into light snow by late afternoon.
Midwest:
- Chicago (ORD) and Detroit (DTW) are bracing for several inches of snow and potential power outages.
- Minneapolis (MSP) expects temperatures below 20°F and icy taxiways.
South:
- Atlanta (ATL) and Charlotte (CLT) will experience heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms.
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) may see wind gusts and brief lightning storms.
West Coast:
- Los Angeles (LAX) and San Diego (SAN) will start foggy but clear by mid-morning.
- Seattle (SEA) and Portland (PDX) forecast steady rainfall and gusty winds.
Weekend Travel Outlook
The good news: conditions are expected to improve gradually on Saturday, with most airports returning to normal operations by Sunday.
However, residual delays may persist into Saturday morning as airlines reposition aircraft and crews from Friday’s disruptions.
Travelers flying over the weekend should still plan for possible minor delays, particularly in the Northeast where snow accumulation may require extended runway clearing.
Preparing for Winter Air Travel Season
Friday’s disruptions are an early reminder of how unpredictable the winter travel season can be. Airlines and airports are ramping up preparations for upcoming holiday surges, including increased staffing, upgraded de-icing systems, and improved communication tools for passengers.
Experts recommend travelers remain flexible with flight plans during November and December, as weather systems like this one can shift quickly and affect multiple regions within hours.
The Bottom Line
For anyone wondering what airports will be affected on Friday, the answer is clear: nearly every major U.S. travel hub — especially in the Midwest, Northeast, and parts of the South — is expected to see delays due to snow, storms, and high winds. Staying updated through your airline’s app, checking FAA alerts, and arriving early are the best ways to manage your trip safely and with minimal stress.
Are you traveling this Friday? Share your airport experiences, weather updates, or travel tips in the comments below to help fellow travelers stay informed.