UPDATE: A powerful snowstorm is wreaking havoc at John F. Kennedy International Airport, stranding hundreds of travelers as flight cancellations surge. As of late Friday evening, over 158 flights have been canceled and another 204 delays reported, making JFK the most affected airport in the nation, according to FlightAware.
Travelers describe a nightmarish scene inside the terminal, with passengers sleeping on the floor amidst piles of luggage and restless children. “I wanted to hang out, but now I’ve been here for about eight hours with still 30 hours to go,” said Danniel Sermone, 31, whose flight to Denver was scrapped early Friday.
The storm has prompted a state of emergency across more than half of New York, with forecasts predicting up to 12 inches of snow by Saturday afternoon. Forecasters warn of intensifying conditions overnight, with snow falling at rates exceeding two inches per hour.
International travelers are facing particularly dire circumstances. Mara Pimenta, who flew in from São Paulo with her husband and two young children, expressed frustration as her Latam Airlines flight was cancelled without notice. “I have been on hold for an hour waiting for information. We have nothing,” she stated, highlighting the lack of communication from the airline.
Adding to the chaos, Chaithanya Sing, 32, found herself stranded with her 9-month-old baby after her Air France flight to India was cancelled. “There was no one at the counter. It’s like a ghost town,” she said, despair evident in her voice as she described the disappointment of missing family reunions.
Nearby airports are also feeling the impact, with Newark Liberty International Airport reporting 107 cancellations and LaGuardia Airport seeing 90 flights scrapped. Authorities are urging travelers to remain vigilant. Mayor Eric Adams advised, “Avoid driving if possible and give yourself extra travel time with public transit if you must travel.”
As the storm continues to unfold, travelers are encouraged to stay updated through real-time alerts from Notify NYC. The situation remains fluid, and travelers are advised to prepare for further disruptions.
For those currently at JFK, the ordeal continues, with little clarity on when normal operations will resume. Updates are expected as the storm progresses, so stay tuned for the latest developments.
