Air India cancels New York, Newark flights due to severe winter storm
In view of forecasts of a severe winter storm expected in large parts of the US East Coast, Air India on Sunday cancelled all flights to and from New York and Newark scheduled for February 23.
The airline said heavy snowfall across New York, New Jersey and adjoining regions on February 22 and 23 is likely to significantly disrupt flight operations, prompting precautionary cancellations.
In a travel advisory, Air India said the decision was taken keeping passenger and crew safety in mind. “In view of the safety, well-being and convenience of our passengers and crew, all Air India flights to and from New York and Newark have been cancelled on 23 February,” the airline said, adding that dedicated teams are assisting affected passengers with rebooking and travel support.
US carrier Delta Air Lines also announced flight cancellations ahead of the approaching winter storm, identified as Winter Storm Hernando.
The airline said it is taking proactive steps to minimise disruption beginning Sunday and extending through Monday, while encouraging customers to modify travel plans without changing fees.
Delta confirmed cancellations at several major East Coast airports, including its hubs at Boston (BOS) and New York’s John F Kennedy (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA), to ensure operational safety for passengers and staff.
Blizzard warnings were issued for New York City and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut as the powerful storm is forecast to impacta large swathe of the East Coast.
According to the National Weather Service, snow and storm warnings remain in effect from the Mid-Atlantic to the Northeast, with heavy snowfall and strong winds expected between Sunday and Monday.
Authorities have forecast up to 1.5 feet (46 cm) of snow in and around New York City, including Long Island, marking the city’s first blizzard warning since 2017.
