LONDON/NEW YORK — A dual-hemisphere aviation crisis has unfolded today, February 26, 2026, as a massive “Blizzard Bomb” in the U.S. Northeast and a nationwide aviation strike in Italy create a logistical bottleneck across the transatlantic corridor. Real-time data from FlightRadar24 and local authorities confirm that thousands of travelers are currently stranded as major hubs struggle to maintain operational capacity.+1
The U.S. “Blizzard Bomb”: Northeast Hubs Grounded
The U.S. Northeast remains the epicenter of the disruption. Following a weekend that saw up to three feet of snow in parts of New England, the region is bracing for an “Alberta Clipper” system today, adding fresh accumulation to already frozen runways.+1
- By the Numbers: Since Sunday, over 11,300 flights have been cancelled across the U.S. Northeast. Today alone, LaGuardia (LGA) and John F. Kennedy (JFK) are reporting significant disruptions, with nearly 1,000 combined delays as ground crews struggle with “black ice” conditions.
- The Airline Impact: Delta, JetBlue, and American Airlines have issued urgent rebooking waivers. For American Airlines passengers, today marks the final deadline to rebook flights without fees for travel that was originally scheduled during the peak of the storm.+1
- Rhode Island Record: Rhode Island officially shattered its all-time snowfall record this week, reaching 37.9 inches, leading to a total ground stop at Providence (PVD).
Europe: Italian Strikes and Scandinavian Storms
While the U.S. deals with weather, Europe is facing a “double-hit” of industrial action and arctic blasts.
- Italy Nationwide Strike: Today, February 26, Italy’s aviation sector is on strike. Major hubs including Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino, and Venice are reporting widespread cancellations. Ground staff and air traffic control walkouts have paralyzed domestic routes, with Ryanair and EasyJet reporting the highest volume of scrapped services.+1
- Nordic Turbulence: Scandinavia is grappling with its own winter emergency. SAS Airlines has cancelled over 26 flights and delayed 119 others today across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden due to freezing rain that has rendered traditional de-icing agents ineffective.
- Hub Disruption Map: FlightRadar24 statistics show London Heathrow (LHR) is experiencing a 6% cancellation rate today—primarily on transatlantic routes to New York and Boston—while Stockholm-Arlanda (ARN) leads European cancellations with 14 flights grounded this morning.
Commuter Advice: What to Do Now
Aviation experts and the OSCE human rights office (monitoring the impact on mobility) advise all commuters to adhere to the following:
- Check Status Every 2 Hours: In both the U.S. and Europe, flight statuses are shifting rapidly. Do not leave for the airport without a “Confirmed” status on your airline’s app.
- Transatlantic Warning: If you are flying between London/Paris and the U.S. East Coast, expect “knock-on” delays of 4–6 hours even if your flight is operating, as aircraft repositioning is currently out of sequence.
- Know Your Rights (EU 261): For those affected by the Italian strike or European weather, remember that under EU law, airlines must provide meals and refreshments for delays over two hours. However, weather is often classified as an “extraordinary circumstance,” which may exempt airlines from cash compensation.
- Rebooking Deadlines: U.S. travelers should check their email immediately; many “Blizzard Waivers” expire at midnight tonight.
