How to find out which airports are shut down today
The fastest way to check airport closures is the FAA's National Airspace Status page at faa.gov/air_traffic/nas. This page updates every few minutes and shows which airports have ground stops, runway closures, or full shutdowns. You can search by airport code or city name.
Your airline's website or app will also show cancellations and delays tied to airport closures, though the FAA page tells you the reason — weather, staffing, equipment failure — while the airline page shows only that your flight is affected. If you are already at an airport, the departure boards display closure notices in real time.
FlightAware.com and FlightRadar24.com track live flight data and show which airports have stopped accepting arrivals or departures. These sites are useful if you want to see the ripple effect — which flights are being rerouted or delayed because of a closure elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- The FAA National Airspace Status page is the official source and updates every few minutes with the reason for each closure.
- Airport closures usually last hours, not days, and are caused by weather, runway damage, air traffic control staffing, or equipment failure.
- Your airline will rebook you on the next available flight at no extra cost if your flight is cancelled due to an airport closure.
- Ground stops (planes can land but not take off, or vice versa) are more common than full closures and usually clear within a few hours.
- Checking the FAA page before you leave for the airport saves a wasted trip if your airport has shut down.
Why airports close and how long it usually takes
Airports close for five main reasons: severe weather (thunderstorms, heavy snow, low visibility), runway damage or debris, air traffic control staffing shortages, equipment failure in the control tower, or security incidents. Weather is the most common cause and usually the shortest — most weather closures last one to four hours. Runway repairs can take longer, sometimes a full day.
A ground stop is not a full closure. It means planes can land but cannot take off, or vice versa. Ground stops are used to manage congestion when an airport is overwhelmed or when weather is expected to clear soon. They typically last two to six hours.
Full closures — where no planes land or take off — are rare and usually mean a runway is damaged, a security threat is being investigated, or control tower equipment has failed. These can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day depending on the problem.
What happens to your flight if your airport closes
If your airport closes before your flight departs, your airline must rebook you on the next available flight to your destination at no cost. You are not charged a change fee, and you keep your ticket value. If no flights are available that day, the airline must offer you a hotel room and meals if the delay is overnight.
If the closure happens after you have already boarded and the plane is pushed back from the gate, you may be held on the tarmac. Federal rules limit tarmac delays to three hours for domestic flights and four hours for international flights before the airline must return to the gate and let passengers off.
If you cancel your own ticket because of a closure, you forfeit the ticket value unless your airline offers a voucher or refund. Check your airline's policy — some offer refunds for weather-related cancellations, others do not. The airline is not required to refund you if the closure is due to weather, but some do as a courtesy.
Airports that close frequently and why
Denver International, San Francisco International, and Chicago O'Hare close more often than average, mostly due to weather. Denver sits at high altitude and gets sudden snow; San Francisco has fog that reduces visibility; Chicago is in a region with severe thunderstorms. These closures are usually brief — one to three hours — but happen several times a year.
New York's three major airports (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark) close together during nor'easters and heavy snow because they are close to each other and share airspace. A closure at one often triggers ground stops at the others. Winter months see the most closures in the Northeast.
Smaller regional airports close less often but can stay closed longer when they do, because they have fewer runways and less equipment redundancy. If the single runway is damaged or the control tower loses power, the airport may be closed for repairs that would take only hours at a major airport with multiple runways.
What to do if you are already at a closed airport
Go to your airline's ticket counter or check your airline's app for rebooking options. Do not wait in line — most airlines now handle rebooking through their app or website during closures, and you will get a notification when a new flight is assigned. If the app shows no available flights, call the airline's customer service line (the number is on your ticket).
Ask the airline whether they will cover a hotel and meals. Federal rules require this only if the delay is overnight and caused by the airline's own failure, not weather. However, many airlines offer hotel vouchers during weather closures as a courtesy, especially if you are stranded far from home. Get the offer in writing or take a screenshot.
If you decide to drive or take a train instead, ask the airline whether they will refund your ticket. Most will not refund for weather-related closures, but some will issue a travel credit that you can use later. A few airlines offer cash refunds — check your airline's policy on their website.
How to plan ahead if you are worried about closures
Book flights early in the day. Morning flights are less likely to be cancelled because weather and equipment problems have had less time to develop. Afternoon and evening flights are more likely to be affected by weather that built up during the day.
Avoid flying into or out of airports during their worst seasons. Denver and the Northeast are risky in winter; San Francisco is risky in summer when fog is heaviest. If you must fly during these seasons, book a flight with a long layover so a delay at one airport does not cause you to miss a connection.
Check the FAA National Airspace Status page the morning of your flight, even if your flight is in the afternoon. If your airport is already showing ground stops or closures, you will know before you leave home. Some airlines let you change flights free if a closure is forecast, though you have to call and ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if my flight is cancelled because the airport is closed?
Most airlines do not refund cash for weather-related cancellations, including airport closures. You can rebook on another flight free of charge, or request a travel credit to use later. A few airlines offer refunds — check your airline's policy on their website or call customer service.
How do I know if my specific flight is cancelled versus just delayed?
Your airline will send you a text or email notification if your flight is cancelled. You can also check your airline's website or app by entering your confirmation number. The FAA page shows airport-wide closures but not individual flight cancellations.
What if I am connecting through a closed airport?
If your connection airport closes, your airline will rebook you on the next available flight that gets you to your final destination. You may arrive much later than planned. If the delay is overnight, ask the airline for a hotel voucher — you are more likely to receive one for a missed connection than for a departure delay.
Do I have to go to the airport if the airport is closed?
No. Check the FAA page and your airline's website before you leave home. If your airport is closed, stay home and contact your airline to rebook. Going to the airport wastes time and money on parking or transportation.
How long do airport closures usually last?
Weather closures typically last one to four hours. Ground stops usually clear within two to six hours. Runway damage or equipment failure can take longer — sometimes a full day. Check the FAA page for updates; closures are usually lifted within a few hours once the problem is resolved.