Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Heavy Rain and Flooding Delay Nearly 4,000 US Flights
Many flights in the United States were late because of strong storms.
Nearly 4,000 flights had been delayed by Sunday afternoon.
Heavy rain and possible flooding affected cities including Boston and New York.
Some places received several inches of rain in only a few hours.
Airports in New York briefly had to stop some flights from moving.
Atlanta also experienced long delays because of thunderstorms.
The article says other problems, such as air traffic controller shortages, have caused disruptions over a longer period.
The number of controllers has fallen while the number of flights has increased.
Nearly 4,000 flights across the United States were delayed by Sunday afternoon, with severe weather identified as the main weekend cause.
Heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding affected New England and the Northeast, with some areas receiving up to 4 inches of rain in less than three hours.
Boston Logan, John F. Kennedy, and LaGuardia airports reported hundreds of delays, while ground stops at New York airports were later lifted.
Thunderstorms also caused significant delays at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, including one delay lasting 271 minutes.
Longer-term disruptions have also been linked to air traffic controller shortages, rising flight demand, and the effects of a 2025 government shutdown.
- Who
- Air travelers, airlines, airports, the Federal Aviation Administration, and air traffic controllers were affected.
- What
- Nearly 4,000 United States flights were delayed, largely because of heavy rain, flooding risks, and thunderstorms.
- When
- The main disruption occurred by Sunday afternoon, with additional forecasts covering Sunday, September 13, and Monday, September 14.
- Where
- Affected locations included Boston, New York City, New England, the broader Northeast, and Atlanta.
- Why
- Heavy rainfall, possible flash flooding, and thunderstorms disrupted airport operations; longer-term staffing shortages and other factors also contribute to United States air-travel problems.
- Reported delays
- Nearly 4,000 United States flights by Sunday mid-afternoon
- Main weekend cause
- Heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding
- Rainfall amounts
- Some areas received up to 4 inches in less than 3 hours
- Boston Logan impact
- About 250 inbound delays, representing 40% of scheduled arrivals at the reported time
- New York airport impact
- About 150 flights affected at John F. Kennedy International Airport and more than 100 at LaGuardia Airport
- Atlanta delay
- The longest reported delay reached 271 minutes
- Air traffic staffing
- The number of United States air traffic controllers declined about 6% over the last decade while flights using the system rose 10%