Newark Airport Delays Plague Winter Travel in NJ

Storms, staffing issues, and operational limits at major Northeast hubs cause widespread disruptions.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Winter travel through Newark, LaGuardia, and Philadelphia airports was plagued by widespread delays and cancellations in January 2026, with Newark Liberty International ranking among the worst airports in the nation for flight disruptions. The issues were exacerbated by Winter Storm Fern, which brought the Northeast to a standstill, as well as ongoing operational challenges at the airports.

Why it matters

The travel woes at these major Northeast hubs highlight the unique challenges facing air travelers in the region, where three major airports in close proximity are prone to cascading delays and cancellations, especially during severe winter weather. The disruptions underscore the need for infrastructure investments and operational improvements to make the air travel experience more reliable for passengers.

The details

According to data from AirHelp, Newark Liberty International had 58.3% of flights disrupted in January, while LaGuardia wasn't far behind at 57.5% and Philadelphia International posted a 51.5% disruption rate. The issues were exacerbated by Winter Storm Fern, which slammed the region with snow, sleet, and ice, leading to over 11,000 flight cancellations nationwide in a single day. Newark has also been dealing with operational limits and staffing challenges that have plagued flights for months, from capped arrival/departure rates to technology and air traffic control strains.

  • In late January 2026, Winter Storm Fern barreled up the East Coast, slamming the Northeast with severe winter weather.
  • On a single day during the storm, over 11,000 flights were cancelled nationwide, making it one of the most disruptive winter travel weekends since the pandemic.

The players

Newark Liberty International Airport

A major international airport serving the New York metropolitan area, located in Newark, New Jersey.

LaGuardia Airport

A major airport serving New York City, located in the borough of Queens.

Philadelphia International Airport

A major airport serving the Philadelphia metropolitan area, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

AirHelp

A group that tracks and reports on flight disruptions and delays.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

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What’s next

The Federal Aviation Administration will continue to work with the airports to address the operational challenges and staffing issues that have contributed to the widespread travel disruptions.

The takeaway

The travel woes at major Northeast airports like Newark, LaGuardia, and Philadelphia underscore the need for significant infrastructure investments and operational improvements to make the air travel experience more reliable and resilient, especially during severe weather events.