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Pro-Palestinian demonstrators caused significant disruptions at two major US airports, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), on a peak travel day, leading to traffic blockades and numerous arrests.

At JFK, the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) responded to the situation by arresting 26 individuals for disorderly conduct and impeding traffic flow. In an effort to mitigate the impact on travelers, the Port Authority provided complimentary bus transportation to those affected by the protests.

The disturbance began around 11:30 a.m. at JFK when protestors formed human chains across the Van Wyck Expressway, brandishing banners with messages such as “Free Palestine” and “divest from genocide.” Social media footage depicted frustrated travelers abandoning their vehicles and walking away from the congested area. The protestors chanted slogans, including “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

Meanwhile, on the West Coast, similar protests unfolded at LAX, with reports of sandbags lining roads and hindering access to the airport. Protestors at LAX held signs demanding a more substantial response than just a ceasefire and calling for Palestinian land rights. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) acknowledged the protest activity and its impact on traffic through a statement on X, advising the public to avoid the area and await further updates.