Ground Stop Hit at John F. Kennedy International Airport As Air‑Traffic Staffing Shortages Continue

A ground stop was in effect at New York’s JFK airport this Friday until 7:30 p.m. ET due to staffing shortages in the air‑traffic system, according to the New York City Emergency Management Department. However, reports from Reuters indicate the ground stop may have been lifted earlier, around 3:30 p.m. ET. aol.com

What Happened

• The emergency‑management department said flights headed to JFK were being held at their departure airports under the ground stop. Fox Business
• Meanwhile, agencies also reported that LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) were under “ground delay programs” because of both staffing shortages and high winds in the region. The Independent
• According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airports nationwide are facing growing disruption after triggering “staffing alerts” in multiple facilities. Reuters

Why It Matters

• Ground stops and delays at major hubs like JFK have a ripple effect across the national air-traffic system.
• The staffing shortages stem largely from the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has left thousands of air‐traffic controllers and other essential workers unpaid. Thrifty Traveler
• With holiday travel approaching, the risks of cascading delays or cancellations increase significantly.

Key Data & Context

• On Sunday, more than 8,000 flights were delayed across U.S. airports, and the FAA noted 22 “trigger” staffing alerts at air‑traffic facilities. Reuters
• For the New York region this Friday: the ground stop at JFK was reported until 7:30 p.m., though some outlets suggest restriction relief may have occurred earlier. uk.news.yahoo.com

What Travellers Should Do

• Check your flight status before heading to the airport—delays may not be visible in advance.
• Allow for extra time for connections, especially at major hubs impacted by the ground stop.
• Contact your airline regarding rebookings or refunds if your flight is canceled—airline policies may vary, especially when delays are caused by “uncontrollable” events like staffing shortages. Thrifty Traveler

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