Canadian Wildfire Smoke Disrupts Flights in the Northeast: FAA Implements Ground Stops and Delays

Wildfire smoke originating from over 100 wildfires in Canada has created visibility and air quality challenges in the eastern United States all week, causing disruptions in flight operations at major airports and travel centers.

In response to reduced visibility caused by the wildfire smoke, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken measures to ensure safe traffic flow into New York City, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Charlotte. Ground stops, delays, and cancellations have been implemented for flights arriving at or departing from these airports on Wednesday and Thursday.

According to FlightAware.com, a prominent flight tracking service, approximately 600 flights throughout the country experienced delays, with an additional six flights being canceled as of Thursday afternoon. LaGuardia and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport were among the most heavily impacted.

To assist affected passengers, airlines like United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines have issued travel advisories, allowing customers flying to or from the affected airports to reschedule their flights without incurring fare differences. Passengers are advised to check their flight status via the airlines’ websites or mobile applications before heading to the airport.

The National Weather Service has predicted that the lingering effects of the wildfire smoke, which has blanketed major cities in the eastern U.S., will persist for several more days. Individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD are advised to limit their outdoor activities and minimize exposure to the smoke.