Singapore Airlines Faces Two-Day Delay for Flight SQ21 from Newark Due to Winter Storm and Technical Faults

Published on December 16, 2025

Singapore Airlines recently ran into major operational difficulties in New York when Flight SQ21 from Newark Liberty International Airport to Singapore Changi Airport was delayed for two days, leaving 151 passengers stranded. The ultra-long-haul flight was initially grounded due to severe winter weather and then faced further delays caused by technical issues and baggage handling problems. The situation underscores how vulnerable airline operations can be during extreme weather, especially on complex international routes.

The disruption began on December 14, 2025, significantly affecting passengers’ travel plans and creating knock-on effects for the airline’s schedule. Flight SQ21, originally set to depart Newark at 9:35 a.m. local time, was first postponed after heavy snowfall led to runway closures and widespread air traffic disruptions. On the same day, Newark Airport recorded nearly 500 delays and more than 200 cancellations as the season’s first major snowstorm swept through the region.

Weather-Related Delays and Initial Flight Hold-Up

As winter weather swept across the Northeast United States, Newark Liberty International Airport faced temporary runway closures for de-icing, which led to delays and congestion for many flights. Singapore Airlines Flight SQ21, which was scheduled to depart for Singapore, was not immune to these disruptions. The severe weather conditions prompted the airline to postpone the flight and ask passengers to disembark, offering them meal vouchers and hotel accommodations for the duration of the delay.

The airline rescheduled the flight, renumbering it to SQ9021, and set a new departure time for 12:35 pm on December 15, 2025. However, the issues were far from over, and another round of delays followed.

Technical and Baggage Handling Issues Cause Second Delay

After the second attempt to depart Newark on December 15, passengers were again informed of further delays. This time, the cause was identified as a baggage handling fault and a nose wheel issue with the Airbus A350-900 aircraft. According to Singapore Airlines, a spare part was required to resolve the nose wheel problem, and additional repair support was needed to fix the baggage handling issue.

The combination of these technical difficulties forced the airline to delay the flight once more, inconveniencing passengers who were eager to return to Singapore. As a result of this second delay, the passengers were further stranded in New York, awaiting the necessary repairs before the flight could depart.

Impact on Passengers and Response from Singapore Airlines

As part of their commitment to passenger care during these disruptions, Singapore Airlines provided all 151 affected passengers with hotel accommodations and meal vouchers. The airline also coordinated with Newark Liberty International Airport to ensure that passengers were comfortable during their extended wait.

Singapore Airlines communicated openly with passengers, providing updates on the status of the flight as well as explaining the nature of the technical issues and the actions being taken to resolve them. Despite the setbacks, passengers were given the opportunity to explore alternative arrangements, including the ability to cancel their bookings without penalty if they chose not to wait for the flight’s eventual departure.

Flight Operations Impact at Newark Liberty International Airport

The delays were not isolated to just Singapore Airlines. On the same day, Newark Airport experienced widespread disruptions due to weather, with nearly 500 flight delays and over 200 cancellations across multiple airlines. These disruptions were primarily a result of the winter storm, which brought snow, icy conditions, and operational challenges to the region. As a major international airport, Newark Liberty plays a critical role in connecting travelers to various global destinations, and these delays affected thousands of passengers attempting to travel during this busy period.

The snowstorm’s impact on airport operations was a stark reminder of how vulnerable flight schedules can be to severe weather conditions. While the winter months are typically associated with potential delays, the scale of the storm on December 14 caused significant ripple effects for airlines and travelers alike.

Potential Solutions and Future Preparedness

In the wake of these disruptions, many travelers and industry experts are urging airlines to take proactive measures to improve communication and contingency planning in the event of weather-related delays. While Singapore Airlines took steps to address passenger concerns and provide accommodations, future delays of this nature may require even more robust planning, such as offering more flexible rebooking options and clearer communication about flight statuses.

For passengers planning travel during the winter months, it is recommended to stay informed about weather conditions and potential disruptions at their departure and arrival airports. Travelers are also advised to ensure they are signed up for airline notifications and have access to emergency travel support in the event of delays.

Conclusion

The disruption of Singapore Airlines Flight SQ21 highlights the complexities of air travel, particularly on ultra-long-haul routes that cross multiple time zones and are impacted by severe weather events. While the delays in New York caused considerable inconvenience for passengers, the airline’s efforts to manage the situation through communication, accommodations, and repairs are commendable. However, this incident also emphasizes the need for continued improvements in contingency planning, especially when dealing with both technical issues and adverse weather conditions.

As travel continues to recover and the winter months bring more potential disruptions, passengers and airlines alike must be prepared for the unexpected, with an emphasis on transparency and passenger care.