Kenya Airways has temporarily suspended select flights to and from New York due to extreme winter weather conditions.
The airline cited passenger and crew safety as the primary reason for the cancellations, following a Blizzard Warning issued across parts of the United States.
Impact on JFK Operations
Heavy snowfall in New York has disrupted operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Airport authorities ordered a suspension of all flight movements for specific periods beginning Sunday, February 22, 2026.
As a result, Kenya Airways cancelled flight KQ 002 from Nairobi to New York scheduled for February 22, and flight KQ 003 from New York to Nairobi scheduled for February 23.
Kenya Airways’ Direct Link to the USA
Kenya Airways (KQ) operates direct, non‑stop flights from Nairobi (NBO) to New York (JFK) up to five times a week, providing a crucial link between East Africa and the United States. The suspension highlights the importance of this route, which connects business travelers, tourists, and diaspora communities across the two regions.
The airline confirmed that operations will resume once conditions improve. Kenya Airways plans to operate KQ 002 on February 24 and KQ 003 on February 25, subject to weather clearance.
Safety First
Kenya Airways emphasized that the safety and comfort of its customers and crew remain its highest priority. The airline’s operations team is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with airport authorities to ensure timely updates.
Affected passengers have been notified directly. The airline urged customers to check its website, mobile app, or contact the Customer Excellence team for the latest updates. Support is available via phone (+254 711 024 747), WhatsApp (+254 705 474 747), and on X (@KQSupport).
Citywide Travel Restrictions
The disruption coincides with wider emergency measures in New York. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a shutdown of the city’s traffic network from 9 p.m. Sunday to noon Monday, restricting all non‑emergency travel across streets, highways, and bridges.
Apology and Assurance
Kenya Airways has apologized for the inconvenience and thanked customers for their patience.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience and understanding,” the airline said in its statement.
