A powerful winter storm sweeping across the U.S. East Coast has caused major disruptions to international air travel, with airlines including Emirates, Air India and Etihad Airways announcing cancellations, reschedules and diversions affecting thousands of passengers. The severe weather, including heavy snowfall, is expected across New York, New Jersey and surrounding areas on February 22 and 23, impacting operations at major airports such as John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. Airlines emphasised that passenger safety remains their top priority as they assist travelers.
Dubai-based Emirates confirmed the cancellation of several flights to and from New York and Newark. Among the affected services are EK203 from Dubai to New York (JFK) on February 22, EK204 from New York to Dubai on February 23, and EK209/210 between Athens and Newark. The airline also rescheduled multiple flights, including EK202 from New York to Dubai and EK206 from New York to Milan. Emirates advised passengers affected by cancellations or rescheduled flights to contact their travel agency or the airline directly. Customers are also urged to keep their contact details updated to receive timely updates through the airline’s “Manage Your Booking” system.
Air India announced similar disruptions, cancelling all flights to and from New York and Newark scheduled for February 23. The airline cited heavy snowfall as the primary reason for cancellations, describing the predicted weather as likely to “significantly disrupt flight operations.” Air India emphasised that the safety and well-being of passengers and crew were central to the decision. The airline’s support teams are assisting travelers, and passengers can reach Air India’s 24×7 call centre for guidance.
Etihad Airways reported weather-related disruption in Europe. Flight EY153 from Abu Dhabi to Vienna on February 20 was diverted to Munich due to adverse conditions in Vienna, causing delays to the return service, EY154. The airline asked affected passengers to update their contact information to receive alerts and reassured travelers that safety and comfort remain the top priority.
Airlines across the region are advising travelers flying to or through New York and Newark in the coming days to monitor flight status, update contact details, and maintain communication with travel agents. The storm has created operational challenges, but carriers stress that safety is the guiding factor in all decisions.
The winter storm underscores the vulnerability of international travel to extreme weather events. Emirates, Air India and Etihad continue to monitor conditions closely and adjust operations to minimise disruptions while prioritising the safety of passengers and crew.
