Flights at major New York airports have been delayed because of smoke from wildfires in Canada limiting visibility.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on Wednesday evening: “The FAA has slowed traffic to and from New York City area airports due to reduced visibility from wildfire smoke.”
Flights from the East Coast and Midwest bound for Philadelphia International Airport were also being slowed because of the smoke.
The BBC reported that millions of people are under air quality alerts in both countries as 400 wildfires across Canada mean that smoke is affecting much of the east coast.
“The haze blotted out New York City’s famed skyline and drew comparisons to Mars and a post-apocalyptic scene,” said the BBC.
If fires continue to burn at this rate, Canada could be facing its worse wildfire season on record, the report added.
New York’s JFK airport said on Twitter: “#JFKAirport is currently experiencing arrival and departure delays due to low visibility caused by smoke conditions in the region. Please check with your airline to determine the status of your flight and allow extra travel time to the airport.”
#JFKAirport is currently experiencing arrival and departure delays due to low visibility caused by smoke conditions in the region. Please check with your airline to determine the status of your flight and allow extra travel time to the airport.
— John F. Kennedy Airport (@JFKairport) June 7, 2023
The National Weather Service for New York said that the air quality on June 7 was in the ‘Unhealthy’, ‘Very Unhealthy’, and ‘Hazardous’ categories because of the smoke and warned that the weather pattern is not going to change much through the weekend.
“A stalled low-pressure system near Maine and the Canadian Maritime Provinces will sustain northerly winds from the fires in Quebec, directing the smoke into portions of the northeastern US,” it said.
“For those with health concerns, it’s advised to stay indoors. If required to venture out, limit exposure and utilize a mask. While driving, set the air to recycle.”
Check out this almost unbelievable time-lapse of wildfire smoke consuming the World Trade Center and the New York City skyline.
Those vulnerable to poor air quality, including seniors and young children, should limit time outdoors if possible.
More: https://t.co/ChRuWv7X6Epic.twitter.com/mtKtLun8lN
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) June 7, 2023