Major US Airports Halt Flights Nationwide, Sparking Widespread Travel Chaos
Travel Chaos as Thunderstorms Ground Flights Across Major U.S. Airports
Severe thunderstorms wreaked havoc on U.S. air travel on July 8, 2025, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue ground stops at major airports from New York to Texas. Passengers faced widespread delays and cancellations, marking the second major disruption in just over a week.
Affected Airports and Delays
The FAA halted departures at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Ground delays stretched into Wednesday, with JFK and Newark flights paused until at least 5:15 p.m. ET, and Baltimore/Washington-area airports until 5:30 p.m. By late afternoon, Philadelphia and New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) also faced delays.
Newark Airport (above) was among hubs halted by severe weather.
Denver International Airport (DEN) and Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia later joined the list, with stops until 5:30 p.m. ET. While DFW avoided prolonged delays, over 1,100 flights nationwide were canceled, and 26,000 others faced delays. Wait times at East Coast hubs exceeded two hours, compounding frustrations.
Passenger Struggles
Travelers took to social media to voice frustrations. One passenger stranded at LGA tweeted: “Our connection to DFW was canceled. Boarded, then parked. Ground stop—update in an HOUR.” Others reported chaotic scenes as airlines scrambled to manage the fallout.
Expert Tips for Rebooking
Dollar Flight Club founder Jesse Neugarten urged passengers to act swiftly. “Check your airline’s app for rebooking options before the cancellation is official,” he advised. Airlines often preload alternatives, and international customer service lines (e.g., Canada or U.K. numbers) may offer shorter wait times.
Storms (pictured) triggered delays at airports from Denver to Washington, D.C.
Looking Ahead
The disruption echoed a similar event on June 30, when a massive storm system paralyzed East Coast travel. With climate models predicting more frequent extreme weather, such chaos could become a recurring challenge. The FAA advised travelers to monitor real-time updates via their website or app.
As storms continued into the night, thousands faced overnight stays at terminals. For those rebooking, Neugarten emphasized flexibility: “Aim for early-morning flights—they’re less likely to be delayed.”
For live updates, visit the FAA’s Flight Delay Page or your airline’s website.
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