Thousands of Flights Canceled, Delayed as Stormy Weather Interrupts Summer Travel

The top cancellations and delays Friday were reported at New York City’s LaGuardia Airport, Newark, N.J.’s Liberty International Airport and Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., according to FlightAware. Flights into LaGuardia, Boston Logan and Washington Dulles were being held for a portion of Friday afternoon, according to FlightAware.

Heavy rain from the Ohio Valley to the mid-Atlantic was affecting airports in those regions, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The agency said thunderstorms were also expected to affect travel to airports in Atlanta; Charlotte, N.C.; Miami as well as Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa, Fla.; Houston; Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Weather disruptions are normal for air travel. But this summer, they are adding to an already chaotic travel season worldwide, as systemic travel issues strain the industry.

Over 4,000 flights in the U.S. were delayed over the July Fourth holiday weekend, and more than 5,000 flights were canceled over the Father’s Day and Juneteenth holiday weekend.

The Department of Transportation said Wednesday it wants to strengthen protections for consumers seeking refunds from airlines when significant changes are made to a flight. That same day, New York Attorney General

Letitia James

urged the department to increase its oversight and regulation of airlines and to fine airlines for excessive delays.

Write to Lauryn Azu at Lauryn.Azu@wsj.com