Blizzard Strands Travelers Across Northeast

Thousands of flights canceled as major airports dig out from up to 3 feet of snow

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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As a powerful winter storm dumped up to 3 feet of snow across the Northeast, thousands of flights were canceled at major airports in New York, Boston, and Providence, leaving many travelers stranded with no clear idea when they'd be able to reach their destinations. Airlines have issued travel waivers, but weather-related delays generally do not entitle passengers to compensation for meals or accommodations.

Why it matters

The blizzard has caused widespread travel disruptions across the Northeast, impacting both air and rail service. With many flights canceled and airports struggling to clear the snow, travelers are facing significant delays and uncertainty about when they'll be able to continue their journeys.

The details

The storm dropped between 19.8 and 27 inches of snow at New York's three major airports, 14.4 inches at Boston Logan, and nearly 38 inches at T.F. Green International Airport in Providence, Rhode Island. On Tuesday, nearly half of departures and a third of arrivals at Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty airports had been canceled. While the situation was expected to improve on Wednesday, the ripple effects extended across the country, with travelers in places like Jackson, Wyoming, also facing delays and cancellations.

  • The storm hit the Northeast on Monday, February 24, 2026.
  • On Tuesday, February 25, 2026, over 2,100 flights were canceled, the majority at airports in New York and Boston.
  • On Wednesday, February 26, 2026, dozens of flights were still projected to be canceled at major Northeast hubs.

The players

Olivia Roux

A 47-year-old intensive care unit nurse from Le Mans, France, who was stranded at Newark Liberty International Airport with her husband and two children after their flight to Paris was canceled.

Cindy Moore

A traveler who was waiting to see if she and her husband would make their connection in Atlanta before heading to Florida, after their flight was delayed by about 3 hours due to the storm.

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What they’re saying

“We spent a week in New York for vacation. It was so wonderful. But now we are so stressed and tired. It's time to go home.”

— Olivia Roux, Intensive care unit nurse (New York Times)

“We are delayed about three hours and praying that it doesn't get canceled. I really don't want to spend the night in Atlanta.”

— Cindy Moore (New York Times)

What’s next

Airlines have added extra flights to help clear the backlog of passengers, and service on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor is expected to resume on Wednesday, though some cancellations may still occur.

The takeaway

The blizzard has caused significant travel disruptions across the Northeast, with thousands of flights canceled and passengers stranded at major airports. While airlines are working to get operations back on track, the ripple effects of the storm could continue to impact travelers for several more days.