The FAA issued a warning to airlines saying that a “Ground stop /delay program [was] possible” over the next four hours at JFK and other US airports.
NZ2, Air New Zealand’s Auckland to New York service, which departed 50 minutes late last night, is continuing as scheduled.
The ultra-long haul flight is due to land at 9pm local time, arriving to experience some of the worst air quality on the planet.
New York state continues to be in the centre of the smoke clouds, which is hovering over the US northeast. On Wednesday evening the New York Times reported that the city had recorded over 800 micrograms per cubic metre, which was “historically bad” for the major city.
By 4pm yesterday there had been 390 delays and 28 cancellations at LaGuardia - which currently has an average delay of 54 minutes on flights.
JFK recorded 90 delays and six cancellations, with a further 217 delays and 31 cancellations at Newark Liberty, which also serves New York city.
American Airlines said it was waiving change fees for passengers flying Thursday and Friday due to the delays and air quality.
New York records ‘world’s worst’ air quality from wildfires
Canadian firefighters are currently battling more than 400 bushfires across the border, which have forced 20,000 residents out of their homes. However the worst of the smoke is blowing south towards the US.
Yesterday the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index (AQI) said that New York City recorded the worst air pollution levels in the world.
Residents of America’s largest city woke to “apocalyptic” scenes, with smoke turning the skyline orange.
New York Mayoral office has put a health advisory in place until midnight on Friday, advising citizens to mask up or stay home.
US President Joe Biden called the forest fires a “stark reminder of the impacts of climate change” and urged those in US cities to consult the EPA website on how to protect themselves against air pollution.
