Airlines Brace for Cancellations and Major Delays as Blizzard Threatens Boston Logan and New York Airports
Air travel disruptions expected across the Northeast corridor
Airlines and airport operators are warning travelers to prepare for widespread delays and cancellations as a strengthening winter storm targets the Northeast, with the heaviest impacts expected in the Boston and New York metropolitan areas from Sunday, Feb. 22, into Monday, Feb. 23, 2026.
Forecasts indicate the storm is likely to bring heavy snow, strong winds and periods of sharply reduced visibility—conditions that can slow runway operations, extend aircraft deicing times, and constrain the flow of arrivals and departures at major hubs. Aviation disruptions in Boston and New York often propagate across the national air network because aircraft and crews are scheduled to cycle through multiple cities in a single day.
What the storm means for Logan, JFK, LaGuardia and nearby hubs
Airports in the region have issued pre-storm advisories urging passengers to confirm flight status before departing for terminals. Deicing operations—required when snow and ice accumulate on aircraft surfaces—can create bottlenecks at gates and on taxiways, particularly when snowfall rates are high and temperatures remain conducive to re-accumulation. Strong winds can also reduce airport acceptance rates by limiting runway configurations and spacing between aircraft.
Blizzard warnings and similar high-impact winter alerts were issued for portions of the Mid-Atlantic and New England coastline, including areas encompassing New York City and Boston. Weather agencies have projected the potential for 1 to 2 feet of snow in parts of the region, with the most dangerous travel conditions expected overnight into Monday morning. Coastal flooding risks were also highlighted for low-lying shoreline locations, a factor that can further complicate surface transportation access to airports.
What travelers can do now
Check airline alerts and flight status frequently, including before leaving for the airport.
Review rebooking options early; many carriers issue travel waivers ahead of major storms that allow itinerary changes without standard fees.
Plan for longer terminal dwell times if flights operate, as deicing queues and gate holds can extend schedules.
Consider earlier arrival for flights that remain on schedule, while recognizing that earlier check-in does not eliminate weather-driven delays.
Why winter storms create outsized aviation impacts
Unlike rain events, snowstorms can simultaneously affect runway friction, visibility, ground equipment operations and aircraft turn times. Deicing requires specialized trucks, fluid supplies and ramp coordination; when storms intensify, departures may be metered to prevent congestion. Air traffic management initiatives, including ground stops or ground-delay programs, may be implemented to match demand with reduced airport capacity.
Travelers should expect schedule changes to evolve quickly as the storm track and snowfall rates become clearer through Sunday night and Monday.
With Boston and New York serving as key nodes in domestic and transatlantic travel, the storm’s effects are expected to reach well beyond the Northeast, disrupting connections and aircraft rotations nationwide through at least Monday.