Traveling between a New York City airport and Manhattan next week? Give yourself some extra time.
The United Nations General Assembly brings world leaders, diplomats, security operations and motorcades to New York each September. It also brings some of the slowest traffic of the year to Midtown Manhattan.
For 2026, the New York City Department of Transportation has designated Monday, September 21 through Friday, September 25 as Gridlock Alert Days, warning drivers to expect extensive street closures and delays across Manhattan.
The UN General Debate begins Tuesday, September 22, bringing heads of state, government officials and other representatives to United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan.
How Bad Is NYC Traffic During UN General Assembly Week?
Very slow, particularly in Midtown.
According to NYC DOT, average vehicle speeds in Midtown during UN General Assembly week have historically fallen below 4 mph. Normal Midtown traffic typically averages between 4 and 6 mph.
Street closures, security checkpoints and motorcades can also temporarily stop or redirect traffic.
Unlike a typical rush hour, some UN-related disruptions can change throughout the day as security needs and motorcade movements change.
Where Will Traffic Be Heaviest?
Travelers should be particularly prepared for delays in Midtown and on Manhattan’s East Side, where United Nations Headquarters is located.
But the effects aren’t necessarily limited to the streets immediately surrounding the UN.
Motorcades, temporary closures and diverted traffic can create congestion on surrounding avenues and cross streets. Delays can also affect trips passing through Manhattan even when the United Nations isn’t your destination.
If you’re traveling between JFK, LaGuardia or Newark Airport and a Manhattan hotel, residence, office or meeting, allow more travel time than you normally would.
Will UN Traffic Affect Trips to JFK, LaGuardia and Newark?
Travelers heading between Manhattan and JFK, LaGuardia or Newark should plan for additional travel time throughout UN General Assembly week.
The airports themselves aren’t the center of UN activity, but trips to and from them can be affected by the congestion, motorcades, temporary street closures and security operations taking place in Manhattan. The impact will vary depending on your airport, destination, time of day and conditions at the time of your trip.
For travelers arriving at the airport, how quickly you can get into your vehicle can make a difference during an already congested week.
At JFK, rideshare pickups from Terminals 5 and 7 have moved to a remote pickup lot at Howard Beach. Passengers using Uber or Lyft from these terminals must take the AirTrain to the remote lot before meeting their vehicle and beginning the drive into the city.
GO Airlink NYC is an official licensee of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, allowing us to continue providing curbside pickup and drop-off at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International airports.
Instead of adding a trip to a remote pickup lot before getting on the road, GO Airlink passengers can collect their luggage and meet their transportation curbside at the airport terminal. During a week when traffic into Manhattan is expected to be especially slow, that can help travelers get out of the airport and on their way sooner.
Once on the road, our drivers know New York City and the routes between the airports and Manhattan. Street closures and security operations can change throughout the day, and while some delays can’t be avoided, our drivers can adjust routes when conditions allow to help minimize additional delays.
Travelers heading from Manhattan to the airport should be especially mindful of timing. A motorcade, security hold or closure in Midtown can add time before you even get out of Manhattan, reducing the time available for check-in, baggage drop and security at the airport.
How Early Should I Leave for the Airport During UN Week?
There isn’t one departure time that works for every traveler. Instead, build additional time into your plans and avoid basing your airport departure on the travel time you would expect during an ordinary week.
Your airline’s recommended airport arrival time still applies. The difference is that you should account for the possibility that the drive to the airport may take longer.
If you have an international flight, checked luggage or other circumstances that already require additional airport time, factor those into your plans as well.
What If My Route Is Temporarily Closed?
UN General Assembly traffic conditions can change quickly.
Security operations and motorcades may result in temporary closures or traffic holds. Professional drivers may need to adjust routes based on conditions at the time of your trip.
That can mean a route that normally makes the most sense isn’t necessarily the route used during UN week.
Travelers should also be prepared for pickup or drop-off conditions around hotels, offices and other Midtown locations to change as streets are restricted.
Traveling to NYC During UN Week? Plan Ahead
If you’re arriving in New York during UN General Assembly week, a little preparation can make a big difference.
Before you travel:
- Allow additional time for airport transfers.
- Be prepared for temporary street closures and traffic holds.
- Keep your phone available in case your driver or transportation provider needs to reach you.
- Confirm your pickup information before traveling.
- If you’re departing for the airport, don’t rely on normal Midtown drive times.
- Follow official NYC traffic information for changing conditions.
NYC DOT encourages New Yorkers and visitors to consider public transportation, regional rail, ferries, walking or cycling when possible during Gridlock Alert Days.
For travelers who need airport transportation, GO Airlink NYC will continue serving JFK, LaGuardiaand Newark Liberty International airports throughout UN General Assembly week.
Our drivers and operations team will be monitoring conditions, but travelers should expect that street closures, security activity and unusually heavy congestion may add time to some trips.
Traveling during UN week? Plan ahead, allow extra time and check current conditions before you go.
Source: New York City Department of Transportation, 2026 Gridlock Alert Days.