UAE–US travel disrupted as Emirates and Etihad cancel flights amid east coast storm

Air travel between the UAE and the United States has been disrupted after a fast-developing Nor’easter triggered blizzard warnings along the US East Coast. Emirates and Etihad have cancelled and rescheduled several flights to and from New York, Newark and Boston as heavy snow and strong winds threaten airport operations.

Meteorologists have warned that the storm could bring between one and two feet of snow to major cities including New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington. Blizzard conditions and gale-force winds are forecast to affect the densely populated Interstate 95 corridor, creating severe travel disruption. Snowfall rates of more than one inch per hour are expected in parts of the region, with the National Weather Service warning of near-impossible travel conditions and potential power outages. New York City is bracing for what could be its first blizzard since 2016.

Emirates flight cancellations

Emirates confirmed that four services have been cancelled:

• EK203 on February 22 from Dubai to New York (JFK)
• EK204 on February 23 from New York (JFK) to Dubai

Emirates rescheduled flights

Several other services have been adjusted due to the evolving weather situation.

• EK202 will now depart New York (JFK) at 6:00 p.m. local time on February 22 and arrive in Dubai at 3:25 p.m. on February 23.
• EK201 will depart Dubai at 2:30 p.m. on February 23 and arrive in New York (JFK) at 7:55 p.m. local time.
• EK206 will leave New York (JFK) at 8:00 p.m. local time on February 22 and arrive in Milan at 9:35 a.m. on February 23.

Emirates advised customers affected by cancellations to contact their travel agents for rebooking. Passengers who booked directly with the airline have been asked to contact Emirates for assistance. Travellers on rescheduled services who are connecting through Dubai will be automatically rebooked to their final destinations.

The airline urged passengers to check their flight status regularly and ensure their contact details are updated through the “Manage Your Booking” service to receive timely notifications. Emirates apologised for the disruption and said it is continuing to monitor conditions closely.

Etihad flight changes

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways also confirmed cancellations and schedule adjustments.

Cancelled services on February 23 include:

• EY1 from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to New York (JFK)
• EY2 from New York (JFK) to Abu Dhabi (AUH)
• EY7 from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Boston (BOS)
• EY8 from Boston (BOS) to Abu Dhabi (AUH)

Rescheduled services include:

• EY4 from New York (JFK) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) on February 22, which will depart four hours earlier at 6:00 p.m. local time.
• EY3 from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to New York (JFK) on February 23, now delayed by approximately five hours and scheduled to depart at 2:40 p.m. local time instead of 9:40 a.m., arriving at 8:25 p.m. local time instead of 3:25 p.m.

Etihad said further changes may occur depending on weather developments. Affected passengers are being assisted with rebooking or offered refunds where requested. Travellers have been advised to monitor flight status updates and ensure contact details are current via the airline’s website.

Wider travel impact

The storm is expected to affect multiple carriers operating along the US East Coast. Heavy, wet snow may lead to significant airport delays, flight diversions and cancellations. Authorities have warned residents to prepare for hazardous conditions as the system approaches.

For UAE travellers heading to or from the United States, airlines are recommending regular status checks and early communication with booking agents to manage rebooking options as the situation develops.