Ground delay: Flights to Newark, LaGuardia delayed as smoke reduces visibility around NY

As Canada’s wildfire smoke settles over New York City for a second day, the Federal Aviation Administration is delaying flights to LaGuardia International Airport in New York and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, citing poor visibility.

“The FAA has slowed traffic to and from the New York City area airports due to reduced visibility from wildfire smoke. The agency will adjust the volume of traffic to account for the rapidly changing conditions,” a statement from the FAA said.

As of 2 p.m. ET, the agency was reporting delays on flights departing for Newark averaging 82 minutes and delays for flights departing to LaGuardia averaging 119 minutes.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has issued an air quality alert for much of the New York metro area.

“Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of Fine Particulates,” the agency said in a statement. “When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician.”

If your flight is delayed or canceled, you should check with your airline to see if you have rebooking options or are entitled to any compensation.

Behind the smoke: As Canada burns, smoke makes US air unhealthy and skies eerie. Is climate change to blame?

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Flights to Newark and LaGuardia delayed as smoke reduces visibility