New York City, November 26, 2025
As the Thanksgiving travel rush unfolds, New York City’s major airports have seen a significant passenger increase, yet operations at LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark have been smooth with minimal delays. The Federal Aviation Administration reports this week as the busiest in 15 years, but delays remain manageable. AAA predicts nearly 82 million Americans will travel for the holiday, mostly via road trips. Experts recommend travelers plan ahead to avoid congestion, particularly on peak days like Wednesday and Sunday.
New York City Airports Manage Thanksgiving Travel Surge with Minimal Delays
New York City, NY – As millions of travelers journey to celebrate Thanksgiving, the city’s major airports have experienced a significant increase in passenger volume. Despite this surge, operations at LaGuardia Airport (LGA), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) have remained relatively smooth, with minimal delays reported.
Travel Volume and Delays
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has indicated that this week’s travel period is shaping up to be the busiest in 15 years. On Tuesday, over 52,000 flights were scheduled nationwide, leading to more than 2,000 delays, many attributed to adverse weather conditions affecting parts of the country. Specifically, by early afternoon, there were 105 delays and one cancellation at LGA, 110 delays and four cancellations at JFK, and 63 delays and three cancellations at EWR.
Travel Trends and Projections
AAA projects that nearly 82 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving, with the majority opting for road trips. Experts advise that Wednesday midday until 8 p.m. is expected to be the busiest time for driving, suggesting that travelers depart before 11 a.m. on Wednesday to avoid peak congestion.
Airport Operations and Passenger Experience
At Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal C, primarily serving United Airlines, passengers have reported smooth experiences, noting that current delays are less severe compared to previous disruptions. The FAA has increased staffing for the holiday week to effectively manage the heightened travel volume.
Return Travel and Future Outlook
Airlines anticipate that the return flights over the weekend will be the next peak days. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) projects that Sunday will be one of the busiest travel days in the agency’s history.
Travel Tips
- Plan Ahead: Stay updated on flight statuses and weather conditions.
- Early Arrival: Arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure.
- Off-Peak Travel: Consider traveling during less busy times to avoid peak congestion.
Weather Forecast
Travelers should be aware of the following weather conditions:
Weather for New York, NY:
Current Conditions: Cloudy, 57°F (14°C)
Daily Forecast:
- Tuesday, November 25: Low: 54°F (12°C), High: 55°F (13°C), Description: Cloudy with rain overspreading the area in the afternoon
- Wednesday, November 26: Low: 42°F (5°C), High: 61°F (16°C), Description: Areas of morning fog; mainly cloudy with a couple of showers; wet weather can make for slow holiday travel
- Thursday, November 27: Low: 35°F (2°C), High: 47°F (8°C), Description: Mostly sunny, windy and cooler; bundle up for the parade; some balloons may be lower due to gusty winds
- Friday, November 28: Low: 35°F (2°C), High: 43°F (6°C), Description: Periods of clouds and sun with a flurry; breezy
- Saturday, November 29: Low: 36°F (2°C), High: 45°F (7°C), Description: Brilliant sunshine
- Sunday, November 30: Low: 43°F (6°C), High: 50°F (10°C), Description: Cloudy with on-and-off rain and drizzle in the afternoon
- Monday, December 1: Low: 38°F (3°C), High: 48°F (9°C), Description: Clouds and sunshine
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the busiest travel days during Thanksgiving?
Wednesday midday until 8 p.m. is expected to be the busiest time for driving, with Sunday projected to be one of the busiest travel days in TSA history.
How can I avoid peak travel congestion?
Departing before 11 a.m. on Wednesday is recommended to avoid peak congestion.
What is the current weather forecast for New York City?
The forecast includes areas of morning fog and mainly cloudy conditions with a couple of showers, which may impact holiday travel.
Key Features of Thanksgiving Travel in NYC
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Travel Volume | Over 52,000 flights scheduled nationwide on Tuesday, with significant increases in passenger numbers at NYC airports. |
| Delays and Cancellations | Minimal delays reported at NYC airports, with specific numbers provided for LGA, JFK, and EWR. |
| Travel Trends | AAA projects nearly 82 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving, with the majority opting for road trips. |
| Airport Operations | Increased staffing at NYC airports to manage heightened travel volume effectively. |
| Return Travel | Airlines anticipate the return flights over the weekend to be the next peak days, with Sunday projected to be one of the busiest travel days in TSA history. |
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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
