Why Is There Wildfire Smoke Over New York?

Air-quality warnings are currently covering more than 20 US states, due to over 800 wildfires in Canada. The smoke has travelled south across the border, affecting New York and many north-eastern states.

The smoke began affecting New York around Tuesday 14th July, and has worsened to unhealthy air levels, resulting in haze, reduced visibility, and the smell of smoke. Forecasted rain is expected to improve conditions, although further smoke is possible while the wildfires continue.

Could the smoke affect the World Cup?

The smoke is affecting the New York area just two days before the 2026 World Cup final at the open-air New York New Jersey Stadium, set to take place on Sunday 19th July. As of today, the match is still expected to go ahead, however, poor air quality could affect players, spectators and travel around the stadium.

Should conditions become unsafe, organisers could introduce additional breaks, delay the match, or make other changes. The smoke could also reduce visibility and disrupt roads, airports or public transport.

What should UK travellers do?

Travellers should not automatically cancel a trip to New York, as smoke conditions can change quickly. However, anyone due to visit New York, New Jersey, or another affected area should prepare for possible disruption.

Before travelling, check:

1. FCDO travel advice for the United States
2. Local air-quality forecasts
3. Airline and airport updates
4. World Cup or event-organiser announcements
5. Hotel cancellation and amendment terms
6. Your travel-insurance policy wording

Travellers with asthma, heart disease, or another condition affected by smoke should seek medical advice where needed and carry enough medication for the full trip. Essential medication and inhalers should be kept in hand luggage. While in New York, reduce strenuous outdoor activity when warnings are in place.

Could flights or bookings be disrupted?

Smoke does not automatically mean flights will be cancelled. Disruption is more likely if visibility becomes poor or the smoke combines with thunderstorms, high winds, or other operational problems.

Nevertheless, travel disruption could include delayed or cancelled flights, changes to outdoor or sporting events, venue closures, or public transport issues.

You should contact your airline, tour operator, hotel, or ticket issuer, before getting in touch with your travel insurance. Insurers expect travellers to claim any available refund from other sources before making a claim.

What should travellers check in their insurance?

Travel insurance policies vary, and wildfire smoke or poor air quality will not automatically be covered.

Before travelling, check:

1. Cancelling or cutting a trip short normally requires a specific insured reason - disinclination to travel is very unlikely to be covered.
2. Emergency medical expenses may cover unexpected treatment if a traveller becomes ill after inhaling smoke. Just make sure your medical declaration is complete and accurate.
3. Some policies include delayed departure, abandonment, or natural disaster cover. But these sections usually have strict definitions, qualifying times, and limits.
4. Standard travel insurance may not cover World Cup tickets if the match is postponed, moved, or played without spectators. Ticket holders should check FIFA’s terms as well as their insurance.

Should you get insurance now?

Travel insurance is designed to cover unexpected future events. Since the current smoke has already been widely reported, a policy bought now is unlikely to cover cancellation, disruption, or other losses resulting from the existing wildfire smoke.

A policy bought before the smoke became a known event may offer more protection, but cover will still depend on the circumstances and the reason for the claim. The exact position depends on the insurer, the date and time the policy was purchased, and your Policy Wording.

Travellers should contact their insurer before cancelling or making alternative arrangements, follow official advice, and keep receipts and written evidence of any disruption.

BY HOLLY GARWOOD

Published 17th July 2026