Nairobi — Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced the cancellation of its flagship flights between Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) due to severe weather conditions battering the Northeastern United States.
In a statement released to passengers on Tuesday, the national carrier cited a blizzard warning and heavy snowfall in the New York metropolitan area as the primary reasons for the disruption, stating that the extreme weather had “significantly affected airport operations.”
“Kenya Airways regrets to inform customers that flight operations to and from New York (JFK) have been impacted by adverse weather conditions,” the airline said. “A blizzard warning and heavy snowfall in New York have significantly affected airport operations, leading to the necessary cancellation of flights for the safety of our passengers and crew.”
The airline confirmed that flight KQ 002 from Nairobi to New York, as well as the return leg KQ 003 from New York to Nairobi, were affected by the cancellations.
Impact on Passengers and Rebooking Process
Travelers scheduled to fly on the affected dates are being rebooked on alternative flights once weather conditions improve and operations at JFK normalize. Given the scale of the disruption, passengers have been advised to expect potential delays in customer service response times as the airline works to accommodate hundreds of stranded travelers.
“We understand the inconvenience this causes our valued customers. Our priority is ensuring passenger safety while minimizing disruption,” the airline added. Affected passengers are being urged to check their email for rebooking confirmations or to contact the Kenya Airways contact center for assistance in making alternative arrangements. Passengers are also advised to check the airline’s website and social media channels for real-time updates before heading to the airport, as conditions in New York remain volatile.
Widespread Disruptions in the Northeast
The cancellations come as a major winter storm sweeps through the Northeast, bringing frigid temperatures and heavy snow that have grounded hundreds of flights across the region. JFK International Airport, one of the busiest in the United States, has reported significant delays and cancellations as ground crews work to clear runways and aprons amidst whiteout conditions. The storm has also impacted Newark Liberty and LaGuardia airports, creating a ripple effect of delays across the entire regional airspace.
Kenya Airways operates the direct route between Nairobi and New York, which is one of its longest and most prestigious connections, linking East Africa directly with the U.S. financial capital. The airline has assured passengers that it is monitoring the weather situation closely and will resume flights as soon as it is safe to do so.
