UAE-US travel: Emirates, Etihad cancel New York flights as Nor’easter threatens 20 inches of snow
Storm may bring power outages and near-impossible road conditions
DUBAI – Two of the UAE’s flagship carriers have cancelled and rescheduled several services to the United States as a fast-developing Nor’easter barrels towards the East Coast.
Blizzard warnings have been issued for New York, Newark and other major cities, with meteorologists forecasting heavy snow, fierce winds and dangerous travel conditions.
The storm is expected to lash the densely populated Interstate 95 corridor, affecting cities including New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington. Snowfall totals could reach between 1 and 2 feet in some areas, with snowfall rates of more than one inch per hour at times, according to the US National Weather Service. Authorities have warned of near-impossible travel conditions and potential power outages caused by heavy, wet snow.
Flight cancellations
Dubai-based Emirates confirmed that multiple flights scheduled for February 22 and 23 have been cancelled. The affected services are:
- EK203 / February 22 – Dubai to New York (JFK)
- EK204 / February 23 – New York (JFK) to Dubai
- EK209 / February 22 – Athens to Newark (EWR)
- EK210 / February 23 – Newark (EWR) to Athens
The airline advised impacted customers to contact their travel agency for rebooking. Passengers who booked directly with Emirates have been urged to get in touch with the airline for assistance.
Several additional services have been rescheduled in response to the worsening forecast. EK202, originally scheduled for February 23, will now depart New York at 6pm local time on February 22 and arrive in Dubai at 3.25pm local time on February 23. EK201 will depart Dubai at 2.30pm local time on February 23, arriving in New York at 7.55pm the same day.
EK206 will leave New York at 8pm local time on February 22, landing in Milan at 9.35am local time on February 23. Meanwhile, EK205 will depart Milan at 6.40pm local time on February 23 and arrive in New York at 9.55pm local time that evening.
For travellers connecting through Dubai whose flights have been rescheduled, Emirates said they will be rebooked automatically through to their final destinations. Customers have been urged to check flight status updates regularly for revised timings.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused. We continue to monitor the situation closely,” the airline said in a statement.
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways also announced cancellations and schedule changes for February 23 as the storm approaches.
The following flights have been cancelled:
- EY1 Abu Dhabi (AUH) – New York (JFK)
- EY2 New York (JFK) – Abu Dhabi (AUH)
- EY7 Abu Dhabi (AUH) – Boston (BOS)
- EY8 Boston (BOS) – Abu Dhabi (AUH)
In addition, EY4 from New York to Abu Dhabi on February 22 will depart four hours earlier at 6pm local time. EY3 from Abu Dhabi to New York on February 23 has been delayed by approximately five hours and is now scheduled to depart at 2.40pm local time.
The airline said operational decisions would continue to adapt to evolving weather conditions, adding that further delays or cancellations could occur if required.
Affected guests are being assisted and will be rebooked on alternative services once operations resume. Passengers who prefer not to travel may opt for a full refund. Travellers have been advised to ensure their contact details are up to date via the airline’s website in order to receive SMS or email notifications.
Widespread impact
The severe winter system is forecast to affect at least six US states, placing more than 50 million people in its path. Meteorologists say blizzard conditions, including strong winds and heavy snowfall, could significantly disrupt air and ground transport across the region.
In New York City, officials and residents are preparing for what could be the first blizzard to strike the city since 2016. The heavy snow, combined with gusting winds, may lead to extensive flight cancellations, hazardous road conditions and temporary shutdowns.
The National Weather Service has cautioned that the weight of wet snow may bring down tree branches and power lines, increasing the risk of widespread outages. Snowfall rates exceeding one inch per hour are expected at times along parts of the East Coast, compounding travel difficulties.
Other international carriers have also responded. Air India has cancelled all flights to and from New York and Newark on February 23, citing safety and passenger wellbeing as priorities. The airline said the decision was taken in light of forecasts predicting blizzard-like conditions across New York, New Jersey and surrounding areas.
The approaching storm follows a major system in late January that swept across the eastern half of the United States and was linked to more than 100 deaths nationwide. That earlier event brought heavy snow and sleet which froze into dense ice, paralysing several cities.
As the new Nor’easter intensifies, authorities across the East Coast have urged residents to remain indoors, limit non-essential travel and monitor official advisories, while airlines continue to adjust schedules in anticipation of deteriorating conditions.