The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) halted flights into Philadelphia and New York on June 8, 2023, due to smoke from wildfires in Canada. The smoke was so thick that it made it difficult for pilots to see, and there was a risk of planes colliding. The FAA lifted the ground stop for Philadelphia International Airport at 12:30 p.m. ET, but it remained in place for New York's LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport until 2:30 p.m. ET.
The wildfires in Canada have been burning for weeks, and they have caused widespread damage. The smoke from the fires has drifted across the border into the United States, and it has caused air quality to deteriorate in many parts of the Northeast. The FAA has issued a number of advisories for pilots flying in areas affected by the wildfires. Pilots are urged to exercise caution and to use extra vigilance when flying in these areas.
The FAA is working closely with the Canadian authorities to monitor the situation and to take steps to ensure the safety of air travel. The FAA ground stop caused significant disruptions for travelers. Thousands of flights were canceled or delayed, and many passengers were stranded at airports.
The FAA is working to get flights back on schedule, but it is likely that some disruptions will continue for the next few days.