UPDATE: A powerful snowstorm has wreaked havoc on holiday travel at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), stranding hundreds of passengers overnight as they grapple with canceled flights and mounting frustration. As of late Friday evening, 158 flights had been canceled and 204 delayed, making JFK the most affected airport in the nation.
Snow began accumulating rapidly in New York City and the surrounding tri-state area late Friday, prompting state officials to declare a state of emergency across more than half of New York. Forecasts predict that some areas could see nearly a foot of snow by Saturday afternoon, with snowfall rates exceeding two inches per hour.
“I came to New York to have a ‘Home Alone’ Christmas just by myself,” said Danniel Sermone, 31, whose flight back to Denver was canceled early Friday. “I wanted to hang out… I have been hanging out at JFK for about eight hours and still got like 30 left until my next flight at 6 a.m. on the 28th.”
Travelers at JFK faced grim conditions as the airport filled with stranded individuals, many lounging on terminal floors surrounded by luggage and restless children. Mara Pimenta, who arrived from São Paulo with her family for a Christmas vacation, shared her despair. “We don’t know when we can go back to Brazil… I just have a lot of luggage and two children,” she said, adding that her flight with Latam Airlines was canceled without warning.
The situation worsened as hotels in the area filled to capacity, leaving many travelers without a place to stay. Chaithanya Sing, who was trying to travel to India with her 9-month-old baby, encountered a similar fate when her Air France flight was canceled. “I went to Terminal One… and there was no one, it’s like a ghost counter,” she lamented.
Nearby airports were also affected, with Newark Liberty International Airport reporting 107 cancellations and LaGuardia Airport seeing 90 flights scrapped. As the storm continues to develop, travelers are urged to remain vigilant.
Officials are advising New Yorkers to avoid driving if possible and to prepare for significant delays with public transportation. “Stay alert to changing conditions, and sign up for Notify NYC for real-time information updates,” warned Mayor Eric Adams.
This developing situation remains fluid, and travelers are encouraged to stay informed as conditions evolve. With many stranded and uncertain about their travel plans, this snowstorm’s impact is being felt across the region.
