Where to check airport closures in real time
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website shows which airports are closed or operating under restrictions because of weather. Go to faa.gov, find the "Delays & Closures" section, and you will see a list of affected airports by region. The page updates every few minutes and tells you whether an airport is closed entirely, accepting only landing traffic, or operating with delays.
The FAA's Ground Stops page is the official source — it is what airlines use to make decisions about your flight. If your airport does not appear on that list, it is open and operating normally, even if weather is bad in the area.
You can also call the airport directly. Most major airports have a weather and operations hotline listed on their website. A recorded message tells you the current status and expected reopening time if the airport is closed.
Key Takeaways
- The FAA's Delays & Closures page at faa.gov is the official list of which airports are closed or restricted due to weather.
- Airport closures are usually temporary — most reopen within a few hours once visibility improves or wind speeds drop below dangerous levels.
- If your airport is not listed on the FAA page, it is open; check your airline's website or app instead for flight-specific delays.
- Calling the airport directly gives you a recorded update that refreshes every 15 to 30 minutes during active weather events.
Why airports close and what triggers a shutdown
Airports close when weather makes it unsafe for planes to land or take off. The main triggers are low visibility from fog or heavy snow, wind speeds above what aircraft can safely handle, or lightning in the when ready area. The FAA sets minimum visibility and wind limits for each runway, and when conditions fall below those limits, the airport stops accepting or releasing flights.
A closure does not mean the airport is physically shut down — planes already on the ground stay there, and ground crews keep working. It means no new arrivals or departures until conditions improve. Most closures last between one and four hours, though severe winter storms or tropical systems can keep an airport closed for longer.
How to learn about your specific flight is affected
If the airport where you are flying to or from is closed, your flight will be delayed or cancelled. Check your airline's website or mobile app first — it will show your flight status and any changes. The app usually sends a notification if your flight is affected, though sometimes the notification comes after you have already checked the status yourself.
If your airport is closed but your flight status still shows "on time," call your airline directly. The status may not have updated yet, or your flight may be scheduled to depart after the airport reopens. An agent can tell you the current plan and whether you should head to the airport.
What happens to your flight during a ground stop
When an airport closes, planes heading there are held at their origin airport or diverted to a nearby airport that is open. Your flight does not disappear — it waits on the ground until the destination airport reopens. Once conditions improve, flights resume in the order they were scheduled, though there is usually a backlog, so your departure may be delayed even after the airport reopens.
If your flight is diverted to another airport, the airline will decide whether to fly you to your original destination once the weather clears, or to bus you there, or to rebook you on a later flight. This depends on how far away the diversion airport is and how long the closure lasts.
Regional weather radar and forecasts
The National Weather Service provides detailed forecasts for each region and can tell you whether severe weather is expected to move through an airport area. Visit weather.gov, enter your destination airport code, and look at the hourly forecast. If thunderstorms or heavy snow are predicted in the next few hours, there is a real chance of delays or closures.
Weather radar sites like weather.com or your local news station show live storm movement. If you see a line of thunderstorms moving toward your destination, assume there will be delays. Airports often close 30 minutes to an hour before severe weather arrives, so checking the radar can give you a heads-up before the FAA closure list updates.
Planning around weather closures
If you are flying during a season known for weather problems — winter in the Northeast or Midwest, summer thunderstorm season in Florida and the South, or monsoon season in the Southwest — build extra time into your schedule. Arrive at the airport earlier than usual, and if you have a connection, book flights with at least two hours between them so a delay on the first leg does not cause you to miss the second.
Check the weather forecast the night before your flight and the morning of travel. If severe weather is predicted for your destination, contact your airline to see if you can change your flight to an earlier time before the weather arrives. Most airlines waive change fees during weather events, though they may not if you change your flight before the event is officially declared.
What to do if you are stuck at the airport
If your flight is cancelled due to a closure, your airline must rebook you on the next available flight to your destination at no extra cost. If no flights are available that day, the airline must either put you up in a hotel or refund your ticket. Keep your boarding pass and any receipts for meals or lodging — you may be able to claim these as part of your refund later.
If your flight is delayed but not cancelled, stay near your gate or monitor your airline app. Airports can reopen suddenly once weather clears, and flights resume quickly. Bring a charger, water, and snacks — airport food is expensive and lines get long during weather events.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an airport stay closed due to weather?
Most closures last one to four hours. Severe winter storms or tropical systems can keep an airport closed for six to twelve hours or longer. The FAA updates the closure status every few minutes, so check faa.gov regularly for the latest information.
Can I get a refund if my flight is cancelled due to weather?
Weather is considered an act of nature, so airlines are not required to refund your ticket. They must rebook you on another flight or refund your money if you choose not to fly. Check your airline's policy on their website for specifics.
Will my flight be cancelled if the airport is closed when I am supposed to depart?
Not necessarily. If the airport reopens before your scheduled departure time, your flight may depart on time or with a short delay. If the closure is still in effect at your departure time, your flight will be delayed or cancelled. Your airline will notify you of changes.
What is the difference between a ground stop and a closure?
A ground stop means no new flights can depart, but arrivals may still be allowed. A closure means neither arrivals nor departures are permitted. The FAA page will specify which one is in effect at each airport.
Should I go to the airport if my flight is delayed due to weather?
Wait for your airline to confirm the flight will depart before heading to the airport. Call the airline or check the app for an updated departure time. If the airport is closed, your flight will not leave until it reopens, so there is no point arriving early.