Air India cancels all New York and Newark flights on Feb 23 due to a severe East Coast winter storm; blizzard warnings, hazardous travel and rebooking support ahead.
Air India cancels all New York and Newark flights on Feb 23 due to a severe East Coast winter storm [Photo: X]
Air India has taken the rare step of cancelling all its scheduled flights to and from New York and Newark on Monday, February 23, in response to a powerful winter storm forecast to pummel the US East Coast with heavy snow and dangerous winds. The airline said it decided after weather models showed blizzard conditions spreading across New York City, New Jersey and surrounding states, making reliable flight operations nearly impossible.
This move is part of a broader wave of disruptions affecting the region’s skies, highways and cities, as millions brace for one of the most intense winter systems to strike the corridor in years.
Air India announced the cancellation of all flights between India and the New York/Newark corridor on February 23, citing passenger and crew safety as the top priority. The airline said in an official advisory that heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions predicted from Sunday through Monday could significantly disrupt flight schedules and airport operations.
#TravelAdvisory
A severe winter storm with heavy snow is forecast for New York, New Jersey and adjoining areas in the US East Coast on 22 and 23 February which is likely to have a significant impact on flight operations.
In view of the safety, well-being and convenience of our…— Air India (@airindia) February 22, 2026
In its statement, the airline added that passengers booked on affected services will receive support from dedicated teams handling rebooking and travel assistance. Travellers have been urged to contact Air India’s 24×7 helpline or check the airline’s official website for the latest updates on itinerary changes.
The severe weather system, identified by forecasters as a potent winter “Nor’easter,” has triggered blizzard warnings from Delaware to Massachusetts, including major cities like New York City and Boston. The US National Weather Service has warned that the storm could dump between 1 and 2 feet (30–61 cm) of snow across densely populated areas, accompanied by gale‑force winds and white‑out conditions.
Blizzard alerts are active in key metropolitan centres where travel could become “dangerous, if not impossible,” according to officials. Snowfall rates are expected to exceed 1 inch per hour at peak intensity, contributing to hazardous road and airport conditions across the region.
Major airports serving the Northeast — including New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR) — have already reported widespread cancellations and delays ahead of the storm’s peak.
Analysts and travellers alike expect travel chaos, with thousands of flights cancelled in the coming days. One travel industry estimate suggests that the total number of cancelled flights at East Coast hubs could reach several thousand, as airlines take proactive steps to minimise operational risks during the worst weather.
Officials have also warned that power outages, coastal flooding, fallen trees and blocked roads could compound travel challenges, making both air and ground movement difficult for residents and visitors.
Air India emphasised in its advisory that its decision was driven by safety concerns for both passengers and crew. The airline reiterated that dedicated support teams are on hand to help travellers affected by the cancellations with alternative arrangements and rebooking options.
Passengers are encouraged to stay informed through Air India’s official communication channels, including call centres and the airline’s website, where real‑time updates and travel advisories are available.
Meanwhile, other international carriers, including Emirates and Etihad, have also adjusted their schedules to respond to the evolving weather situation, either cancelling or rescheduling flights to US East Coast destinations.
City and state officials across the Northeast have issued warnings urging residents to stay indoors unless travel is essential. New York City’s blizzard alerts reflect conditions that could rival some of the more severe storms in recent years, with strong winds and heavy snow creating risks for commuters and emergency services alike.
Authorities have also cautioned about coastal flooding and strong gusts, particularly in seaside communities where water levels and high winds could create additional danger.
With the winter storm expected to grind through the region over the next 24–48 hours, travel disruptions are likely to persist even after snowfall subsides. Airports may remain congested as airlines attempt to reschedule flights and restore normal operations.
Road travel could also remain treacherous as crews work to clear snow and ice from major highways and local streets. Residents and travellers are advised to monitor local weather updates and heed guidance from emergency services to ensure safety during the storm’s passage.
Passengers affected by the cancellations should reach out to Air India’s dedicated helpline numbers or visit the airline’s official website for rebooking assistance, refunds or itinerary changes. These services are essential as travel plans undergo rapid change due to the winter weather disruption.
Affected travellers are encouraged to remain patient and prepared for potential travel adjustments over the coming days.
