If you’re wondering what airports will be affected on Friday, prepare for a busy travel day ahead. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued multiple alerts for Friday, November 8, 2025, warning of widespread flight delays and cancellations across the country. A powerful winter storm system is expected to hit the Midwest and Northeast, while thunderstorms and fog could disrupt flights in the South and West Coast.
Here’s a complete, easy-to-follow breakdown of which airports will be affected, how long disruptions could last, and what travelers need to know before heading to the airport.
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Airports Most Likely to Be Affected on Friday
The FAA’s latest forecast highlights several major airports that could face the biggest challenges on Friday. Here’s what’s expected:
| Region | Airports Impacted | Reason for Delays |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | JFK (NY), LaGuardia (NY), Newark (NJ), Boston Logan (MA), Philadelphia (PA) | Snow, ice, and freezing rain will limit runway operations. |
| Midwest | Chicago O’Hare (IL), Detroit Metro (MI), Minneapolis–St. Paul (MN), Cleveland (OH) | Heavy snow and wind gusts expected to exceed 40 mph. |
| South & Southeast | Atlanta (GA), Charlotte (NC), Dallas/Fort Worth (TX), Nashville (TN) | Strong storms and low visibility from heavy rain. |
| West Coast | Los Angeles (CA), San Francisco (CA), Seattle (WA), Portland (OR) | Morning fog and coastal wind shifts slowing departures. |
The FAA Command Center has also warned of potential ground stops in Chicago, Newark, and Boston during peak travel hours Friday morning and evening.
Weather Breakdown: What’s Causing the Delays
The major culprit is a fast-moving winter storm system sweeping from the Rockies to the Northeast. By Friday morning, the storm is expected to bring a mix of snow, rain, and strong winds to more than a dozen states.
Here’s what to expect by region:
- Northeast: Snow and freezing rain in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts will create hazardous runway conditions and de-icing delays.
- Midwest: A deep freeze and heavy snowfall across Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota could bring widespread cancellations.
- South: Thunderstorms in Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas may disrupt both departing and connecting flights.
- West Coast: Fog and wind along the California coast will cause slowdowns for morning departures at LAX and SFO.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for nine states, urging travelers to plan for major disruptions.
Top Airports Facing the Longest Delays
As of Thursday night, these are the five U.S. airports most likely to see heavy delays and cancellations on Friday:
- Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) – Up to six inches of snow forecast with strong crosswinds.
- Newark Liberty International (EWR) – Icy rain and visibility below one mile expected throughout the day.
- Boston Logan International (BOS) – High winds could force runway reductions, causing long wait times.
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) – Morning thunderstorms could delay hundreds of connecting flights.
- San Francisco International (SFO) – Dense fog likely before noon, with afternoon wind gusts up to 25 mph.
If you’re flying through one of these hubs, arrive early, keep an eye on your flight status, and expect longer security lines.
Airlines Offering Travel Waivers
To help travelers affected by Friday’s weather, major airlines have issued flexible travel waivers. These allow passengers to change their flights without fees if they are scheduled to travel through affected airports.
Here’s the latest from major U.S. carriers:
- American Airlines: Waivers available for flights through the Midwest and Northeast from Nov. 8–9.
- Delta Air Lines: Change-fee waivers for customers flying through ATL, JFK, BOS, or ORD.
- United Airlines: Free rebooking for passengers traveling through Chicago, Newark, or Denver.
- Southwest Airlines: Flexibility offered for flights through Nashville, Dallas, and Denver.
- JetBlue: Waivers available for travelers in New York and Boston.
If you plan to travel Friday, contact your airline directly or check its app for rebooking options before heading to the airport.
Maintenance and Staffing Challenges Adding to Delays
Aside from weather, staffing shortages and scheduled runway maintenance are adding to potential delays.
- Los Angeles International (LAX): Partial runway closure continues through the weekend, reducing flight capacity by about 15%.
- Denver International (DEN): Overnight resurfacing on key taxiways may affect late-night operations.
- JFK and LaGuardia (NY): Limited air traffic control staffing could slow takeoff sequencing.
- Chicago Midway (MDW): Maintenance work on its main runway will close sections intermittently through Friday evening.
These operational slowdowns may combine with weather-related issues, increasing the likelihood of multi-hour delays.
Tips for Travelers Flying on Friday
If you’re traveling through one of the airports listed above, here are practical ways to make your trip smoother:
- Check flight status early: Use your airline’s app or the FAA’s Flight Delay Information tool before leaving home.
- Sign up for mobile alerts: Airlines send real-time texts or emails with updates on flight changes.
- Arrive early: Get to the airport at least 2–3 hours before departure, especially if you’re checking bags.
- Carry essentials: Keep medications, chargers, snacks, and one change of clothes in your carry-on.
- Know your rebooking rights: If your flight is canceled, airlines must rebook you on the next available flight at no cost.
If your travel plans allow, you might consider rescheduling for Saturday evening or Sunday, when conditions are expected to improve across much of the country.
Regional Forecast Overview
Here’s a closer look at expected conditions for major regions across the U.S. on Friday, November 8:
Northeast:
- Boston (BOS) and Newark (EWR) will likely see icy rain and strong winds.
- JFK could face visibility issues through late afternoon.
- Philadelphia (PHL) may transition from sleet to snow during the evening.
Midwest:
- Chicago (ORD) and Detroit (DTW) are expected to see 4–6 inches of snow and winds up to 40 mph.
- Minneapolis (MSP) could experience freezing conditions and icy runways.
South:
- Atlanta (ATL) will see thunderstorms and heavy rainfall during the morning rush.
- Dallas (DFW) and Nashville (BNA) could face brief but intense storm cells by midday.
West Coast:
- Los Angeles (LAX) and San Diego (SAN) will experience early fog but clearer conditions by midday.
- Seattle (SEA) expects steady rain and moderate crosswinds.
FAA and Airline Responses
The FAA has activated its Air Traffic Flow Management program to reduce congestion in the most heavily affected areas. These steps include:
- Implementing Ground Delay Programs (GDPs) in Chicago, New York, and Boston.
- Increasing air traffic controller staffing in high-volume zones.
- Coordinating with airlines through Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) to adjust flight schedules.
Airlines have also added more de-icing crews, maintenance staff, and customer support agents to major airports in preparation for Friday’s rush.
Weekend Travel Outlook
While Friday is expected to see the worst disruptions, weather experts predict improvement by Saturday evening. Most airports should return to normal operations by Sunday morning, though residual delays could persist at East Coast hubs.
If you’re traveling later in the weekend, check for aircraft repositioning or crew delay notices, as airlines recover from Friday’s cancellations.
The Bottom Line
For travelers asking what airports will be affected on Friday, the answer is clear: many major hubs across the U.S. — including Chicago, Atlanta, New York, and Boston — are expected to face delays due to a powerful winter storm and operational challenges. Whether you’re flying home, heading for business, or starting a weekend getaway, staying informed and flexible will be key to a smoother journey.
Are you flying this Friday? Share your airport experience or delay updates in the comments below to help other travelers stay informed.