Flight Delays in New York City and Philadelphia due to Canadian Wildfire Smoke

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced flight delays for airports in the New York City area and Philadelphia on Thursday June 8, citing reduced visibility and the impact of wildfire smoke originating from Canada.

The FAA reported delays for inbound flights to New York City’s LaGuardia Airport, with an average delay of 54 minutes. Earlier, some flights had been temporarily halted into the airport. Newark Liberty Airport, located nearby, is also experiencing visibility issues leading to delays. The FAA has warned that it may need to take similar measures to delay traffic into Washington and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Previously, the FAA had temporarily suspended flights to LaGuardia and Philadelphia from regions including the U.S. Northeast, Ohio, and the Mid-Atlantic.

To accommodate affected passengers, United Airlines has announced that it will waive change fees and fare differences for those wishing to reschedule their trips on Thursday and Friday. The waiver applies to cities impacted by smoky conditions, such as New York, Buffalo, Washington, Philadelphia, Syracuse, New York; Hartford, Connecticut, and Columbus, Ohio.

The widespread forest fires in Canada have resulted in a blanket of smoky air, triggering health concerns in several U.S. cities.

These flight delays and the impact of the Canadian wildfires serve as a reminder of the interdependence of air travel and the need to prioritize passenger safety and well-being.