URGENT UPDATE: A powerful snowstorm has wreaked havoc at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), leaving hundreds of travelers stranded overnight as flight cancellations skyrocketed. As of late Friday evening, the storm has already led to 158 canceled flights and 204 delays, making JFK the hardest-hit airport in the United States, according to FlightAware.
The snowstorm, which began impacting the New York City area on Friday night, has prompted state officials to declare a state of emergency across more than half of New York. Forecasts predict nearly a foot of snow could accumulate by Saturday afternoon, with snowfall rates exceeding two inches per hour.
Travelers like Danniel Sermone, 31, found themselves stuck for hours. “I have been hanging out at JFK for about eight hours and still got like 30 left,” he lamented, after his flight to Denver was canceled early Friday. His next available flight is not until 6 a.m. on December 28, leaving him and many others grappling with exhaustion and uncertainty.
Families traveling internationally felt the strain even more intensely. Mara Pimenta, who traveled from São Paulo with her husband and two young children for a Christmas vacation, expressed her frustration. “I have been on hold for an hour… I just have a lot of luggage and two children,” she said. Her Latam Airlines flight was canceled unexpectedly, and upon arriving at the airport, the check-in counter was deserted.
“How can you have an airline with no customer care during a weather emergency?” asked Chaithanya Sing, holding her 9-month-old baby.
Sing faced her own challenges when her Air France flight to India was canceled, but her infant’s ticket was not transferred to the new flight. “I went to Terminal One to speak to someone at Air France, and there was no one, it’s like a ghost counter,” she said, highlighting the lack of customer support during the crisis.
Nearby airports are also experiencing significant disruptions. Newark Liberty International Airport reported 107 cancellations, while LaGuardia Airport saw 90 flights scrapped, with hundreds more delayed. The chaos is expected to continue as the storm intensifies, keeping travelers in limbo.
New York Mayor Eric Adams urged residents to stay safe and prepare for difficult travel conditions. “New Yorkers should all prepare — avoid driving if possible and give yourself extra travel time with public transit if you do need to travel,” he advised. He also encouraged people to sign up for Notify NYC for real-time updates.
As the storm continues to develop, travelers are advised to monitor flight statuses and stay vigilant for updates. The situation remains fluid, with many hoping for clearer skies and a return to normalcy soon.
