Kenya Airways cancels Nairobi-New York flights
By Kenneth Mwenda, February 22, 2026Kenya Airways has cancelled its direct flights between Nairobi and New York after a severe blizzard hit the United States.
The airline announced the decision on February 22, 2026, citing heavy snow and dangerous conditions at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Airport authorities suspended flight operations for specific periods on Sunday as the storm intensified.
In a statement, the airline said:
“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 John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) have been significantly impacted on Sunday 22nd, and the airport authorities have suspended all flight operations for specific periods effective Sunday 22nd February 2026.”
As a result, Kenya Airways cancelled flight KQ 002 from Nairobi (NBO) to New York (JFK) scheduled for February 22, 2026. The return flight, KQ 003 from New York to Nairobi, set for February 23, 2026, also faces cancellation.
Flights suspended for safety
The airline said it acted to protect passengers and crew.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience and understanding,” the statement read.
Kenya Airways plans to operate KQ 002 on February 24, 2026 and KQ 003 on February 25, 2026 as originally scheduled, but only if weather conditions improve and authorities clear flights to resume.
“The safety and comfort of our customers and crew remains our highest priority,” the airline added.
The disruption forms part of a wider travel shutdown across the north-east of the United States. A powerful winter storm brought blizzard warnings to New York City and surrounding areas. Forecasters predicted between 13 and 18 inches of snow, with some areas expecting more.
Winds of up to 40 to 50 miles per hour created whiteout conditions and near-zero visibility. The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings from Sunday morning into Monday evening.
Major airlines cancelled thousands of flights at JFK, LaGuardia, Newark and other airports. Reports indicated more than 3,000 cancellations at New York airports alone, with further disruption expected as the storm reached its peak. Authorities urged residents to stay at home unless travel was essential.
Kenya Airways advised customers to check the latest flight status on its website or mobile app. Passengers can also contact the airline. The airline said it will provide updates as the situation develops.