UPDATE: A powerful snowstorm is wreaking havoc at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), stranding hundreds of holiday travelers as flight cancellations soar. As of late Friday evening, 158 flights had been canceled and 204 delays reported, making JFK the hardest-hit airport in the country, according to FlightAware.
Travelers faced a chaotic scene inside the airport, where many were left sitting on terminal floors surrounded by luggage and children. “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 scrapped early Friday. The storm is expected to dump nearly a foot of snow across the region by Saturday afternoon, prompting state officials to declare a state of emergency in over half of New York.
International travelers are among those suffering the most. Mara Pimenta, who traveled from São Paulo with her husband and two young children, found herself with no clear information after her Latam Airlines flight was canceled without warning. “I have nothing. No information, nothing,” she lamented, as she waited on hold for over an hour.
The stress is compounded for families. Chaithanya Sing, who held her 9-month-old baby on the terminal floor, expressed frustration over the lack of customer support after her Air France flight to India was canceled. “It’s like a ghost counter,” she said. “It’s very depressing because my daughter was going to meet her grandparents for the first time.”
Nearby airports are also facing significant disruptions. Newark Liberty International Airport reported 107 cancellations, while LaGuardia Airport experienced 90 flights scrapped along with hundreds of delays. Forecasters warn that snow accumulation could intensify overnight, with rates exceeding two inches per hour.
Mayor Eric Adams urged New Yorkers to stay vigilant, saying, “Avoid driving if possible and give yourself extra travel time with public transit if you do need to travel.” A winter storm warning remains in effect through early Saturday afternoon, and travelers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC for real-time updates.
As the situation unfolds, passengers are left anxiously awaiting news about when they might finally reach their destinations. The chaos at JFK serves as a stark reminder of the impact severe weather can have on holiday travel, leaving many feeling stranded and helpless.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
