JFK forced to ground all planes due to wild winds, shutdown — as all of NYC’s major airports in crisis
John F. Kennedy Airport was forced to ground all planes Friday as the metro area’s two other major airports were also snarled by high winds, as the ongoing government shutdown has reduced air traffic control center staffing.
LaGuardia and Newark airports were also ordered to ground all planes due to the gusty weather, according to the FAA.
“Travelers should expect widespread ripple delays and check with their airline for the latest flight status,” the city’s Emergency Management Office said.

Flights to JFK are being held at their departure airports, with a ground stop in effect until 7:30 p.m. due to the combination of wind and staffing issues, resulting in 36 planes being held per hour.
Ground delays at the Queens airport are averaging one hour due to the winds.
Ground delays are running at an average of two hours at LaGuardia, though some planes are delayed as much as five hours.