US Snowstorm Forces Major Flight Adjustments: Now Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways Among Most Affected

Published on February 23, 2026

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Severe winter weather is causing major disruptions for travellers flying between the UAE and the United States. Emirates and Etihad Airways have cancelled and rescheduled multiple flights due to a massive snowstorm sweeping across the US East Coast, affecting cities such as New York, Newark, Boston, and Washington, D.C. Passengers flying from the UAE to these destinations are urged to stay informed and make alternative travel arrangements as the airlines adjust their schedules to prioritise passenger safety.

UAE–US Flights Disrupted by Snowstorm Impacting Major East Coast Cities

The blizzard, which is expected to dump 1 to 2 feet of snow across major cities, is forecast to create near-impossible travel conditions. New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., are bracing for severe weather, including strong winds and heavy snowfall, as a fast-developing Nor’easter storm makes its way up the East Coast. With these conditions, both Emirates and Etihad Airways have been forced to make adjustments to their flight schedules.

Travelers who are planning to fly from the UAE to the US should check the status of their flights and keep in touch with the airlines to ensure they are up-to-date on any changes. The storm’s impact on airports and travel infrastructure in the region has led to significant delays and cancellations, prompting both airlines to advise passengers to take action quickly.

Emirates Flight Cancellations and Rescheduled Flights

Emirates has announced the cancellation of several flights to and from New York due to the Nor’easter’s expected impact. Affected flights include EK203 from Dubai to New York (JFK), scheduled for February 22, and EK204, the return flight from New York to Dubai on February 23. Additionally, EK209 from Athens to Newark (EWR) and EK210 from Newark to Athens have also been cancelled.

Emirates has also rescheduled some flights to accommodate the storm’s effects. EK202, which was set to depart from New York (JFK) on February 22, has been moved to February 23, departing at 18:00 local time and arriving in Dubai at 15:25 on the same day. Similarly, EK201 from Dubai to New York has been rescheduled to depart at 14:30 local time on February 23 and arrive in New York at 19:55 on the same day. Passengers on other affected flights have been rebooked automatically on rescheduled flights.

Etihad Airways Adjustments Amid Winter Weather

Like Emirates, Etihad Airways has made adjustments to its flight schedules due to the blizzard conditions. While specific flight cancellations from Etihad have not been highlighted, passengers traveling on US routes are encouraged to check for any updates, as the storm continues to impact airport operations and safety measures.

Etihad is working closely with travelers to manage rebookings and ensure that all passengers are accommodated on the next available flights. Passengers traveling from the UAE to US cities should check their booking status to confirm their departure times and any changes to their itineraries.

What Passengers Need to Do: Rebooking and Flight Status Updates

Both Emirates and Etihad Airways are advising affected passengers to rebook flights as soon as possible. Passengers whose flights have been cancelled are urged to contact their travel agents or the airlines directly to secure alternate travel arrangements. Travelers who booked their tickets through the airlines are advised to reach out to the customer service team for rebooking, while those traveling on rescheduled flights connecting through Dubai will be automatically rebooked to their final destinations.

Emirates has specifically requested that all passengers ensure their contact details are up to date via the “Manage Your Booking” section on the airline’s website. This will allow passengers to receive timely updates about any further changes to their flights. The airline has also apologized for the inconvenience caused by the cancellations and delays, recognizing the challenges posed by severe weather.

How the Storm is Impacting US Airports and Travel Plans

The severe winter storm is already wreaking havoc on airports in the northeastern United States, including those in New York, Newark, Boston, and Philadelphia. Flights across the region have been delayed or cancelled, with many airports already reporting ground delays due to snow and blizzard conditions.

Airlines operating in the region have warned passengers to expect significant delays and cancellations throughout the duration of the storm. Travelers flying into or out of US East Coast airports are advised to stay in close contact with their airlines and prepare for longer wait times or rescheduling.

For travelers whose trips to the US are affected by the storm, staying informed is crucial to ensuring a smooth travel experience. Monitoring the airlines’ websites, staying in touch with customer service teams, and regularly checking flight status will help ensure that passengers can adapt to any changes.

Affecting Both Business and Leisure Travelers

The snowstorm’s impact on UAE–US flights isn’t limited to just vacationers—business travelers are also facing disruptions. With many professionals relying on timely flights for meetings and conferences, this severe weather has thrown a wrench into corporate travel plans. Emirates and Etihad are working diligently to accommodate all travelers, but the unpredictable nature of the storm means further adjustments may be necessary.

For travelers heading to the US for leisure, the storm adds another layer of uncertainty. However, those with flexible schedules can take advantage of the rescheduled flights and updated timetables.

How to Stay Prepared for Weather-Related Disruptions

As extreme weather continues to impact global travel, passengers need to remain prepared and proactive. Travelers should ensure that they have sufficient time between connecting flights, especially when traveling during severe weather events. In addition, it is advisable to sign up for travel alerts from airlines, which can provide real-time updates on flight statuses and cancellations.