Travelers departing or arriving through New York City are once again confronting JFK Airport delays as poor weather, heavy passenger volume, and operational congestion continue to affect one of the nation’s busiest travel hubs. As of December 15, 2025, John F. Kennedy International Airport is managing hundreds of delayed flights and dozens of cancellations, creating ripple effects throughout the U.S. air travel system.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that traffic management procedures are currently in place to maintain safe operations under limited visibility. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates JFK, has issued an advisory urging travelers to allow extra time for check-in, security, and boarding as crews work to mitigate delays caused by rain and fog.
Current Flight Status and Operational Overview
As of midmorning, flight tracking data shows more than 270 departures delayed and around 85 cancellations at JFK Airport. Average delay times range between 50 and 100 minutes, depending on destination, weather conditions along the route, and aircraft availability.
The primary causes behind these disruptions include:
- Persistent low clouds and fog across the New York City region.
- Saturated runways leading to slower ground movement.
- Increased flight volume as the holiday travel surge intensifies.
- Ongoing de-icing procedures for aircraft safety during wet and cool conditions.
Although no major safety incidents have occurred, the combination of weather and air traffic congestion has resulted in limited departure slots. The FAA continues to meter takeoffs and landings to prevent excessive airborne holding patterns, particularly during peak hours between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Eastern Time.
Impact on Major Airlines and Terminals
Several of the airport’s largest carriers are facing significant operational challenges today. Delta Air Lines, which operates out of Terminals 2 and 4, has reported extensive delays on both domestic and international routes, especially those headed to the West Coast and Europe.
American Airlines, based in Terminal 8, is managing delays averaging 70 minutes for flights to Florida, Texas, and the Caribbean. Ground staff are working with dispatchers to prioritize aircraft with connecting passengers.
JetBlue Airways, headquartered at Terminal 5, is also seeing disruption to its morning and afternoon flights. With JFK serving as JetBlue’s largest hub, gate space has become limited, forcing aircraft to remain parked on taxiways between flight rotations.
United Airlines, though operating primarily out of Newark Liberty International Airport, has experienced inbound impacts as connecting flights bound for JFK continue to arrive behind schedule.
Airlines are offering same-day rebooking and travel waivers for passengers affected by delays and cancellations. Most carriers have expanded customer support lines and self-service options via mobile apps, enabling travelers to modify their itineraries without penalty for flights scheduled through December 16.
Weather Conditions and Forecast
The National Weather Service reports steady rainfall across the New York metropolitan area with intermittent fog reducing visibility to under two miles. Temperatures remain in the low to mid-40s, with winds around 12 mph from the southeast.
These damp and cloudy conditions, while not severe, present a challenge for air traffic controllers and pilots due to limited runway visibility. De-icing operations have been active since early morning, particularly for aircraft parked overnight in colder conditions.
The forecast for later today calls for rain to taper off by early evening, followed by gradual clearing overnight. However, ground operations are expected to remain slow through late evening as crews work to return aircraft to their regular schedules.
Inside JFK: Passenger Conditions and Terminal Congestion
Terminals across JFK are bustling with travelers as the holiday season intensifies. TSA checkpoint data shows that more than 200,000 passengers are expected to pass through the airport today, marking one of the busiest December travel days on record.
Security wait times at peak morning hours have reached 40–50 minutes in Terminals 4 and 5. Port Authority staff have added extra personnel to assist with crowd management and expedite passenger movement between gates.
Inside the terminals:
- Lounges are at full capacity during morning hours.
- Several airlines are offering complimentary refreshments to delayed passengers.
- Charging stations and seating areas are crowded, particularly near international departure gates.
Travelers are encouraged to:
- Arrive at least three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic flights.
- Check digital displays frequently for gate and timing changes.
- Bring necessary essentials such as chargers, snacks, and travel documents.
Public transit options, including the AirTrain JFK and Long Island Rail Road, are operating normally but with heavier-than-usual ridership.
Nationwide Air Traffic Impact
The congestion at JFK is also affecting nearby airports and connecting hubs across the country.
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is reporting moderate delays averaging 45 minutes for short-haul flights.
- Newark Liberty International (EWR) is experiencing inbound delays of around one hour.
- Boston Logan International (BOS) and Philadelphia International (PHL) have reported minor schedule adjustments due to shared weather systems.
The FAA’s New York Air Route Traffic Control Center is actively coordinating spacing between arrivals and departures to prevent bottlenecks in the busy northeastern air corridor. While JFK remains open and operational, flight sequencing remains restricted until weather conditions improve later today.
Holiday Travel Surge and Capacity Strain
This week marks the start of the peak holiday travel period, with nationwide air traffic volumes reaching their highest levels since before the pandemic. TSA data shows that U.S. airports screened more than 2.9 million passengers on December 14, with projections suggesting record numbers continuing through the week.
At JFK, holiday demand is stretching operational capacity to its limits. Airlines are operating at nearly full load factors, and staffing across ground services is under strain as carriers manage tight aircraft turnaround schedules.
The combination of high travel demand and weather-related slowdowns means even small disruptions can cascade into longer delays throughout the day. Passengers connecting through major hubs like Atlanta, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Chicago O’Hare are also feeling downstream effects from JFK’s traffic restrictions.
Traveler Tips to Navigate the Disruptions
For those flying in or out of JFK today or in the next 48 hours, careful planning and flexibility can help minimize stress. Here are key recommendations for travelers:
- Monitor flight status frequently through airline apps and airport displays.
- Sign up for text alerts from your airline to stay informed about gate changes or rebookings.
- Consider early check-in via mobile to avoid long kiosk lines.
- Pack essentials such as water, snacks, and portable chargers to handle extended waiting times.
- Be proactive with customer service; contact your airline as soon as a delay is announced to secure rebooking options.
- Explore alternative airports in the tri-state area if your plans are flexible — Newark and LaGuardia may experience fewer evening delays.
Passengers traveling internationally should ensure that connection windows exceed two hours, especially for flights passing through European or Middle Eastern hubs later tonight.
Efforts by the Port Authority and Airlines
Port Authority officials have confirmed that all runways remain operational, with continuous monitoring by safety crews. Additional snow and de-icing equipment are on standby should temperatures drop overnight.
Crews are also inspecting taxiways and ramps to prevent pooling water and minimize the risk of hydroplaning during takeoff or landing. Maintenance teams are working in rotation to ensure ground surfaces remain clear as rainfall persists.
Airlines have increased staffing at check-in counters and help desks to assist stranded passengers. Many have activated overflow customer service centers to handle the high call volume for rebooking and travel waivers.
Public Transit and Ground Transportation
Despite the flight delays, ground access to JFK remains stable. The AirTrain system, which connects terminals to parking lots and subway stations, is operating normally. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and subway connections through Jamaica Station are running on regular schedules, though trains are more crowded than usual.
Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft have implemented surge pricing due to high demand. Passengers are encouraged to allow additional travel time to reach their terminals, especially during evening rush hours when road traffic around the Van Wyck Expressway and Belt Parkway tends to back up.
Outlook for the Next 48 Hours
Weather forecasts for December 16 and 17 show improved flying conditions, with clearing skies and temperatures rising into the upper 40s. Winds are expected to shift northwest and strengthen slightly, helping to dry out runways and restore normal traffic flow.
Airlines plan to operate full schedules by Tuesday afternoon, with many adding repositioning flights overnight to make up for today’s disruptions. While some early morning departures may still experience short holds, widespread cancellations are not expected once the weather stabilizes.
Travelers scheduled to depart later this week should still monitor updates closely, as the upcoming weekend is projected to bring another surge of holiday travelers through New York’s airports.
Final Thoughts: Plan, Prepare, and Stay Patient
With ongoing JFK Airport delays, travelers are urged to stay informed, remain flexible, and prepare for extended wait times as crews work to restore normal operations. While the weather is showing signs of improvement, the combination of holiday traffic and residual flight congestion will keep the airport busy through tonight.
If you’re flying from JFK this week, share your experience below — your insight can help other travelers navigate one of the busiest travel periods of the year.