NEW YORK — A “potentially crippling” winter storm has effectively turned the Northeastern United States into a no-fly zone. As of Monday, February 23, 2026, Winter Storm Hernando has forced the cancellation of more than 10,000 flights nationwide through Tuesday, leaving tens of thousands of travelers stranded and the region’s busiest aviation hubs at a total standstill.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued blizzard warnings stretching from Maryland to Maine, describing travel conditions as “nearly impossible” and “life-threatening.” In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani implemented a ban on all non-emergency travel, as intense snow bands falling at rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour buried the city in what officials fear could be one of the worst storms in a century.
Ground Zero: New York and the “Tri-State Standoff”
New York’s airports are currently the hardest hit in the country. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey took the rare step of suspending most operations as visibility dropped to near zero and wind gusts topped 50 mph.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has emerged as the most disrupted facility in the nation. By Monday morning, a staggering 83% of its entire flight schedule had been wiped out. Because LaGuardia primarily handles domestic and short-haul flights, the ripple effect has caused a cascade of cancellations across the Eastern Seaboard and as far south as Florida.
Airport Disruption Snapshot (Monday, Feb 23)
| Airport | Cancellations (Estimated) | % of Operations Affected |
| LaGuardia (LGA) | 500+ | 83% |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | 300+ | 74% |
| Boston Logan (BOS) | 400+ | 69% |
| New York (JFK) | 500+ | 61% |
| Newark Liberty (EWR) | 400+ | ~50% |
Airlines Issue Mass Waivers
Major carriers including Delta, American, United, and JetBlue have proactively suspended operations at their Northeast hubs. Delta Air Lines confirmed it expects to keep operations at JFK and LGA suspended through Tuesday, February 24, as crews struggle to clear runways.
International travel has not been spared. Global carriers like Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, and British Airways have cancelled dozens of transatlantic services, citing the “unprecedented” nature of the blizzard.
What Travelers Should Do
- Check Status Remotely: Do not go to the airport if your flight is cancelled. Use airline apps or websites for the most current data.
- Rebooking: Most airlines have issued travel waivers for the Northeast through February 26 or 27, allowing passengers to rebook without paying fare differences or change fees.
- Ground Transit: Be aware that AirTrain services and regional rail (NJ Transit, LIRR) are also facing significant suspensions or delays due to the heavy snowfall.
The storm is expected to continue impacting the region through Tuesday morning. Travelers are advised to prepare for a multi-day recovery period as airlines work to reposition aircraft and crews once the “all-clear” is given.
