Travelers flying in or out of New York City today are facing significant JFK Airport delays, as winter weather and heavy travel demand continue to affect flight schedules across the Northeast. As of this morning, multiple airlines have reported extended departure and arrival disruptions, with hundreds of flights delayed and dozens canceled at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed ongoing traffic management programs at JFK due to low visibility, wet runways, and high aircraft volume. With the holiday season travel rush now peaking, passengers are being urged to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
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Current Status: December 15, 2025
As of 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, flight tracking data from FlightAware showed over 240 delayed departures and nearly 70 cancellations at JFK Airport. Delays are averaging between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on airline and destination.
The primary causes of today’s disruptions include:
- Heavy morning rainfall and patchy fog reducing visibility to under two miles.
- High aircraft volume as end-of-year holiday travel ramps up.
- Runway congestion caused by de-icing operations and ground traffic slowdowns.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which manages JFK, has confirmed that all terminals are open and operating but experiencing longer security lines and boarding delays. Officials have deployed additional staff to assist travelers and direct passenger flow between terminals.
Airlines Most Affected
Major U.S. carriers, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and United Airlines, have all reported schedule disruptions at JFK. JetBlue, which operates a large hub from Terminal 5, has seen some of the most significant delays today due to gate congestion and aircraft repositioning challenges.
Delta and American Airlines have adjusted their operations to prioritize international departures later in the afternoon, while smaller regional flights are being rescheduled to manage runway access.
Airlines are offering flexible rebooking options for passengers impacted by today’s weather and congestion-related delays. Most carriers are allowing customers to change flights without additional fees for departures through December 16.
Weather Conditions Impacting Operations
Meteorologists from the National Weather Service (NWS) have issued advisories for steady rainfall across the New York metropolitan area, with temperatures hovering in the mid-40s. Winds are moderate, between 10 and 15 mph, but visibility remains limited due to persistent low clouds.
These conditions are typical for December but continue to challenge air traffic management, especially during high-volume periods. De-icing operations have been implemented intermittently throughout the morning, slowing ground movement but ensuring safety for departing aircraft.
The NWS forecasts gradual improvement in conditions later this evening, with rain tapering off after 7:00 p.m. Eastern. However, airline officials warn that residual delays may extend into the night as schedules realign.
Terminal Traffic and Passenger Experience
Crowds at JFK are heavier than usual as travelers head out for the holidays. TSA officials report wait times of up to 40 minutes at peak morning hours, especially in Terminals 4 and 5.
Passengers are encouraged to:
- Arrive at least three hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic ones.
- Use airline apps or digital boards for real-time gate and boarding updates.
- Allow extra time for security screening and ground transportation.
Inside the terminals, most airport restaurants, lounges, and retail shops remain fully open. Port Authority staff have also stationed additional personnel to assist travelers with rerouting and baggage claims.
National Air Traffic Context
While JFK Airport delays are among the longest in the country today, several other major hubs are also reporting disruptions.
- Newark Liberty International Airport has moderate delays averaging 45 minutes due to similar weather patterns.
- LaGuardia Airport is experiencing departure delays exceeding one hour for short-haul flights.
- Boston Logan International Airport has implemented minor ground delay programs, with 15–30 minute hold times for inbound aircraft.
The FAA’s New York Air Route Traffic Control Center continues to coordinate closely with regional airports to manage airspace congestion and prevent extended holding patterns in the skies above the metropolitan area.
Holiday Travel Surge Adds Pressure
The current round of delays comes during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) projects that more than 3 million passengers will pass through New York City–area airports between December 15 and December 22.
With demand at near-record levels, even minor weather disruptions can have a ripple effect throughout the national air traffic system. Airlines have been operating at high capacity, leaving limited room for rescheduling or aircraft substitutions.
Travel experts recommend that passengers traveling over the next week monitor flight notifications frequently, as delays could continue intermittently through midweek due to aircraft repositioning from today’s disruptions.
Tips for Travelers Facing Delays
Passengers affected by JFK Airport delays today should take the following steps to minimize inconvenience and avoid missed connections:
- Check flight status frequently: Use your airline’s mobile app or website for the most current updates.
- Opt for text or email alerts: Enable notifications for gate changes and boarding updates.
- Plan for extended waiting times: Bring chargers, snacks, and essential items in your carry-on.
- Know your passenger rights: If your flight is significantly delayed or canceled, you may be eligible for rebooking assistance or meal vouchers, depending on airline policy.
- Consider alternate airports: If possible, look into flights from Newark or LaGuardia, which may have shorter delays later in the day.
Operational Updates from the Port Authority
Port Authority officials released a morning statement emphasizing safety and efficiency as top priorities. Crews are actively monitoring runway conditions and coordinating with the FAA to manage traffic flow in and out of JFK.
Snow removal and de-icing vehicles remain on standby in case temperatures drop overnight. While no snow is expected, colder evening temperatures could create slick surfaces on taxiways, potentially slowing operations into early Tuesday.
Public transit options, including the AirTrain JFK and Long Island Rail Road, are running on normal schedules but may experience increased crowding during rush hours.
Outlook for the Coming Days
Looking ahead, meteorologists expect improved flying conditions for Tuesday, December 16, with clearing skies and higher visibility. Airlines are working to restore normal schedules overnight, although some early morning departures could remain affected as crews and aircraft reposition.
Travelers scheduled to fly midweek should still check for residual delays but can expect smoother operations as weather improves and flight flow stabilizes. The FAA has not announced any extended ground delay programs beyond tonight.
Final Thoughts: Stay Alert and Plan Ahead
With ongoing JFK Airport delays, patience and preparation remain key for travelers navigating one of the busiest air travel days of the season. Weather conditions and flight congestion continue to challenge operations, but improvements are expected as visibility increases later tonight.
If you’re flying from JFK today, stay alert, stay informed, and share your experience below — your insight can help other travelers heading out this holiday week.