Kenya Airways has temporarily suspended select flights to and from New York due to severe winter weather, citing safety concerns for passengers and crew.
The airline’s corporate communications department announced on Saturday that heavy snowfall in New York had disrupted operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), prompting airport authorities to suspend all flights for specified periods beginning February 22.
Affected flights include KQ 002 from Nairobi to New York, scheduled for February 22, and KQ 003 from New York to Nairobi, scheduled for February 23. The airline said operations would resume once weather conditions improve and it is deemed safe to fly, with KQ 002 expected to operate on February 24 and KQ 003 on February 25.
“We wish to inform our customers that due to a Blizzard Warning and severe weather conditions affecting several parts of the United States, including heavy snowfall in New York, operations at JFK have been significantly impacted,” Kenya Airways said in a statement.
The airline emphasised that passenger safety and crew welfare remain its highest priorities. Staff are actively monitoring conditions and coordinating with airport authorities to ensure timely updates.
Kenya Airways apologised for the inconvenience and thanked customers for their patience. Passengers have been advised to check the airline’s website, mobile app, or contact the Customer Excellence team via phone, WhatsApp, or social media for the latest information.
Winter storms in the northeastern United States frequently disrupt international and domestic air travel, affecting major hubs such as JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports. Airlines often adjust schedules in response to blizzard warnings to prevent accidents and operational hazards caused by snow, ice, and low visibility.
Flight disruptions can have significant knock-on effects on connecting routes and cargo operations. Kenya Airways, one of Africa’s largest carriers, operates multiple transatlantic and regional routes, and delays on long-haul flights may affect schedules across its network.
The airline’s statement urged passengers to remain updated on evolving conditions. “We will provide any further updates directly to our customers as soon as new information becomes available,” the statement said.
Blizzards in New York have historically led to the temporary closure of airport runways, flight cancellations, and delays extending several days, particularly for international carriers coordinating multiple schedules. Airlines, passengers, and airport authorities often work closely during such events to mitigate disruptions and reschedule operations safely.
Kenya Airways has in the past faced operational disruptions due to extreme weather, strikes, and geopolitical issues, and the airline maintains contingency plans to prioritise safety and maintain service continuity where possible.
As winter storms continue across the U.S. Northeast, international travellers are advised to remain flexible and monitor communications from airlines for updated travel information. Kenya Airways reiterated that it would resume normal operations as soon as conditions are deemed safe.
Passengers seeking assistance or more information can contact Kenya Airways’ Customer Excellence team at +254 711 024 747, WhatsApp at +254 705 474 747, or via social media on X at @KQSupport.
The airline’s proactive suspension reflects standard aviation safety practices in response to extreme weather, ensuring that passengers and crew are not exposed to unnecessary risks while maintaining coordination with international airport authorities.
