FAA daily air traffic report, August 21, 2025
Low clouds in the Northeast, thunderstorm risks across multiple centers, and surf impacts from Hurricane Erin shape the FAA's planning on August 21, 2025. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is under a ground delay program through late evening, and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) saw an early ground stop canceled. New York terminals, Washington National, Boston, and several Southern hubs are being watched for potential programs as demand and weather evolve.
Key Points
- Why it matters: An active EWR ground delay program will ripple across connections, especially in the Northeast corridor.
- Travel impact: Expect flow-control delays at EWR, pockets of maintenance and volume delays at JFK and SAN, and possible late-day measures at ATL, BOS, MIA, and others.
- What's next: Additional initiatives are possible this afternoon and evening as storms and demand compact.
- Oceanic routes L453 to L456 are closed due to thunderstorms, affecting transatlantic planning.
- VIP movements and spaceflight windows could prompt short-notice airspace restrictions.
Snapshot
The FAA Command Center's current plan sets a ground delay program at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) from 1130 a.m. to 1159 p.m. EDT, with an average arrival rate of 39 and a planned rate of 34. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) shows 30-minute delays tied to runway maintenance, and San Diego International Airport (SAN) has minor volume-related holds. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) had an early ground stop canceled, with further actions possible to manage morning demand spikes. Thunderstorms remain the main capacity limiter across several en route centers, and selected Atlantic routes are closed due to convective weather. The FAA is also tracking VIP movements and scheduled launch windows that may require brief airspace management. Additional measures remain possible into the evening.
Background
Summer convective weather continues to drive ground delay programs, miles-in-trail, and reroutes as the FAA meters demand to match reduced airport arrival rates. Hurricane Erin, well offshore but large, is producing hazardous surf and rip currents that align with portions of the agency's Atlantic routing constraints. In the Northeast, staffing and construction add friction to already tight schedules. Newark's long-running constraints and construction staging provide context for today's EWR program and periodic New York metro initiatives. For broader hurricane travel impacts, see our Hurricane Erin Travel Update: Outer Banks to Bermuda. For continuity, yesterday's FAA daily air traffic report, August 20, 2025 outlines the week's trend, while our look at EWR limits gives added context in FAA seeks to extend Newark flight limits into October 2026.
FAA daily air traffic report: August 21, 2025
EWR ground delay program, Northeast maintenance, and volume notes
The FAA OIS lists an EWR ground delay program from 330 p.m. to 359 a.m. UTC, which is 1130 a.m. to 1159 p.m. EDT, citing volume and compacted demand. Average arrival rate is 39, planned rate is 34. JFK is posting 30-minute delays tied to runway maintenance as of 10:00 a.m. EDT, and SAN shows about 15-minute holds for compacted demand mid-morning local time. PHL's early ground stop was canceled, with additional initiatives possible to smooth spikes. New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA), JFK, and EWR remain candidates for further actions through the evening.
Afternoon watch list, possible programs at major hubs
ATCSCC flags possible ground stops or delay programs after 100 p.m. EDT at Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), after 100 p.m. CDT at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), after 100 p.m. CDT at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL), after 200 p.m. EDT at Logan International Airport (BOS), after 300 p.m. EDT at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), and after 300 p.m. EDT at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Tampa International Airport (TPA). Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) remains possible into the evening, and a Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) ground delay program is probable through about 9:00 p.m. EDT.
Oceanic routes, en route constraints, and special activity
Thunderstorms are driving route closures on Atlantic tracks L453, L454, L455, and L456, with an update due by 8:00 p.m. UTC. Non-Radar Procedures are suspended in the Washington center airspace through August 30, and multiple en route centers are watching convection for CDRs, SWAP, escape routes, or capping later today. The plan notes VIP movements between the Washington and Atlanta areas this afternoon and evening, plus near-term spaceflight windows at Cape Canaveral, Vandenberg, and Van Horn that could trigger short airspace holds.
Analysis
Today's system picture blends weather, construction, and recurring Northeast capacity limits. The Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) ground delay program will be the primary driver of missed connections into and out of the New York region, especially for banks fed by Midwest and Southeast arrivals. Because the planned rate is set below the average rate, even modest convective flare-ups can deepen queues and lengthen EDCTs. JFK's runway maintenance adds friction for widebody flows, including transatlantic departures that would normally exploit afternoon tailwinds. Oceanic route closures on L453 to L456 will force longer routings or meters for eastbound and westbound transatlantic traffic, which can pull arrival banks off schedule downstream.
Outside the Northeast, the afternoon watch list is classic summer risk management. Florida, Texas, Boston, Atlanta, and Central Florida hubs are flagged for conditional initiatives that ATCSCC can activate if storms or volume compact. Erin's swell field is largely a coastal and maritime hazard, but its broad circulation is consistent with today's Atlantic routing constraints. Travelers should build slack into New York and Mid-Atlantic connections, monitor airline apps for EDCT updates, and consider earlier flights where possible to reduce roll-over risk.
Final Thoughts
Plan for rolling adjustments in the New York metro, and keep an eye on the afternoon watch list if storms ignite. If you are connecting through Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), allow extra time and watch EDCTs closely. Coastal flyers should expect lingering marine hazards as Erin lifts away, even as skies may look benign inland. We will continue to track Command Center updates and highlight any new initiatives that change the traveler picture in this FAA daily air traffic report.