Major Snowstorm Disrupts Holiday Travel at JFK, 158 Flights Canceled

UPDATE: A powerful snowstorm has wreaked havoc at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), stranding hundreds of holiday travelers as they attempt to return home. As of Friday night, over 158 flights have been canceled and more than 204 flights delayed, making JFK the most affected airport in the country, according to FlightAware.

Travelers faced a chaotic scene as snow accumulated across the tri-state area, and more than half of New York was placed under a state of emergency. With forecasts predicting nearly a foot of snow by Saturday afternoon, the urgency of the situation escalated. “I have been hanging out at JFK for about eight hours and still got like 30 left,” said Danniel Sermone, 31, whose flight to Denver was canceled.

International travelers are among those hit hardest. “We don’t know when we can go back to Brazil,” said Mara Pimenta, a Brazilian tourist stranded with her husband and two young children. Their Latam Airlines flight was canceled unexpectedly, leaving them without information or support. “I just have a lot of luggage and two children,” Pimenta added, emphasizing the dire situation.

Chaithanya Sing, a 32-year-old traveler, expressed frustration after her Air France flight to India was canceled. “How can you have an airline with no customer care during a weather emergency?” she questioned, highlighting the lack of assistance at the airport’s empty counters. Her infant’s ticket was not transferred to the new flight, leaving her feeling overwhelmed and anxious.

Nearby airports are also facing significant disruptions, with Newark Liberty International Airport reporting 107 flight cancellations and LaGuardia Airport seeing 90 flights scrapped. The situation is expected to worsen, with forecasters warning of snow rates exceeding two inches per hour overnight.

New York Mayor Eric Adams urged residents to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel. “New Yorkers should all prepare — avoid driving if possible and give yourself extra travel time with public transit,” he advised. A winter storm warning remains in effect until early Saturday afternoon.

As travelers continue to wait for updates, many are left with uncertainty and frustration. The emotional toll of being stranded during the holiday season is palpable, with families separated and plans disrupted. For those at JFK, the ordeal is far from over, as they cling to hope for clearer skies and a chance to return home.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation.