Hundreds of Flights Canceled at New York Airports, Even With a Few Inches of Snow

Airlines move early to curb disruptions

Major carriers serving the New York area announced a wave of pre‑emptive cancellations on Tuesday, opting to pull dozens of flights before the first flakes even began to fall. The decision was driven by forecasts predicting up to nine inches of snow across the region, prompting airlines to avoid the “ripple effects” that typically accompany last‑minute schedule changes.

What the weather outlook looks like

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the greater metropolitan area, with snowfall totals expected to range from 2 to 9 inches by early morning. While the actual accumulation at the time of writing is only a few inches, officials are preparing for rapid intensification as colder air moves in from the north.

Scope of the cancellations

At John F. Kennedy International Airport, more than 120 departures were removed from the schedule, affecting both domestic and international routes. LaGuardia Airport saw roughly 80 flights canceled, primarily short‑haul services, while Newark Liberty International Airport reported around 60 cancellations. In total, airlines have taken roughly 250 flights off the books across the three hubs.

Impact on travelers

Passengers who had booked flights for Tuesday and Wednesday are being notified via email and text messages. Most airlines are offering full refunds or re‑booking on later flights at no additional cost. Travelers are advised to check the status of their itineraries frequently and to arrive at the airport earlier than usual, as security lines and ground transportation may also be affected by the weather.

Airlines’ rationale

“We prefer to make these adjustments now rather than scramble later,” said a spokesperson for a major carrier. “A proactive approach helps us maintain safety standards, protects crew schedules, and reduces the likelihood of cascading delays that can cripple the entire network.”

What to expect next

As the storm progresses, officials will continue to monitor conditions and may issue additional cancellations or delays. Travelers are encouraged to stay updated through airline apps, airport websites, and local news outlets. The combination of pre‑emptive airline actions and coordinated airport operations aims to keep the disruption to a minimum, even if the snowfall exceeds early estimates.