Saturday, 24 January 2026| Dubai, UAE [ Posted at 9:52 pm]
Flight cancellation due to severe weather has once again impacted travellers across the UAE, with Etihad Airways and Emirates cancelling multiple flights to and from the United States amid heavy snowfall and powerful winter storms sweeping North America. Qatar Airways has also urged passengers to stay alert and check flight updates regularly as weather-related disruptions continue to evolve.
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Severe Winter Storm Triggers Flight Cancellations from the UAE to the USA
Overview: A powerful snow and ice storm, identified as Storm Fern, has caused one of the worst aviation disruptions in the US this year.
Heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerously low temperatures have severely impacted airports across New York, Washington DC, Texas, and the Northeast corridor, a region critical for transatlantic travel from the UAE. These conditions have forced airlines to suspend operations on key international routes.
Etihad Airways Cancels Flights to New York and Washington
Overview: Etihad Airways confirmed flight cancellations to and from the United States on Sunday, January 25.
The cancellations apply to flights scheduled for Sunday, January 25. Here’s the list of Etihad Flights Cancelled (January 25):
- EY1 – Abu Dhabi (AUH) → New York (JFK)
- EY3 – Abu Dhabi (AUH) → New York (JFK)
- EY2 – New York (JFK) → Abu Dhabi (AUH)
- EY4 – New York (JFK) → Abu Dhabi (AUH)
- EY5 – Abu Dhabi (AUH) → Washington Dulles (IAD)
- EY6 – Washington Dulles (IAD) → Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Etihad clarified that all other flights to the US and Canada are operating as scheduled. However, additional delays or cancellations remain possible if weather conditions worsen.
Passenger Support Measures by Etihad
- Free rebooking on alternative flights
- Full refunds available upon request
- SMS and email alerts via updated contact details
- Customer support through the call centre and mobile app
“The safety and comfort of our guests and crew remain our highest priority,” Etihad stated, apologising for the inconvenience.
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Emirates Suspends Multiple US Routes Amid Snow and Ice Storm
Overview: Dubai-based Emirates has also announced extensive cancellations across major US cities.
Passengers connecting through Dubai on these cancelled flights were not accepted for travel at their point of origin, a precautionary step to avoid stranded travellers. Key flights cancelled include:
January 24
- EK221 – Dubai → Dallas
- EK222 – Dallas → Dubai
January 25
- EK201 / EK202 – Dubai ↔ New York
- EK203 / EK204 – Dubai ↔ New York
- EK205 / EK206 – Milan ↔ New York
- EK209 / EK210 – Athens ↔ Newark
- EK231 / EK232 – Dubai ↔ Washington
- EK237 / EK238 – Dubai ↔ Boston
January 26
- EK203 / EK204 – Dubai ↔ New York
Emirates advised passengers to:
- Contact their travel agents or Emirates directly
- Update contact details via “Manage Your Booking”
- Monitor real-time updates before heading to the airport
Qatar Airways Urges Passengers to Monitor Flight Status
Overview: The airline urged passengers to check flight status
While Qatar Airways has not announced large-scale US cancellations, it has urged passengers flying through Doha or connecting internationally to check flight status frequently due to volatile weather conditions affecting North America and Europe.
A Qatar Airways flight from Sharjah to Doha was also cancelled during the weekend, adding to regional disruption. Qatar Airways advised travellers to regularly monitor flight status through its website and mobile app, as schedule changes may occur at short notice.
Widespread Impact Across US Airports
Overview: The winter storm has caused one of the worst aviation disruption weekends in the US.
The impact of the bad weather has spread throughout the weekend. Key Impact highlights:
- Over 9,000 flights were cancelled on Saturday and Sunday
- 5,800+ cancellations on Sunday alone, the highest single-day total in a year
- Dallas-Fort Worth: 65% of flights cancelled
- Dallas Love Field: 60% cancellations
- Major disruptions at Atlanta (ATL), Washington Reagan National, Baltimore/Washington International, New York JFK & Newark
At least 14 US states and Washington DC declared weather emergencies as freezing conditions threatened power supply and road safety.
UAE Airports Face Ripple Effect of Global Disruptions
Overview: The severe weather overseas has triggered knock-on effects across UAE airports.
UAE Airport Cancellations Snapshot:
- Dubai International (DXB): Flights to Boston, New York, Washington, Dallas, London, Paris, Amsterdam
- Al Maktoum International (DWC): Flights to Russia and Jordan
- Sharjah International: Qatar route cancellation
- Abu Dhabi International: South Asia routes affected
A total of 18 flights were cancelled across UAE airports over the weekend.
What Passengers Should Do Now
Overview: With weather conditions remaining unpredictable, travellers are advised to remain proactive.
If you are among the affected passengers, you should follow the following tips:
- Check flight status before leaving for the airport
- Keep contact details updated with airlines
- Allow extra time for check-in and security
- Avoid non-essential travel during storm alerts
- Use airline apps for real-time notifications
FAQs: Flight Cancellation Due to Severe Weather
1. Why are flights being cancelled despite clear weather in the UAE?
Severe weather at destination airports, including snowstorms and ice, makes landings and ground operations unsafe.
2. Am I eligible for a refund if my flight is cancelled?
Yes. Airlines like Etihad and Emirates are offering full refunds or free rebooking.
3. Should I go to the airport if my flight status is unclear?
No. Always check official airline updates before travelling.
4. Will more cancellations happen?
Airlines have warned that additional disruptions are possible as weather conditions remain volatile.
Conclusion
The ongoing flight cancellation due to severe weather highlights how global climate events can rapidly disrupt international travel, even when departure hubs like the UAE remain unaffected locally. With winter storms continuing to batter North America, airlines are prioritising safety over schedule.
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