KQ suspends Nairobi–New York route amid severe winter storm

Kenya Airways (KQ) has cancelled its Nairobi–New York flights following severe winter weather in the United States that has disrupted operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

In a statement, the airline said a blizzard warning and heavy snowfall in New York had significantly affected airport operations, prompting authorities at JFK to suspend flight activities for specific periods effective today, Sunday, February 22, 2026. As a result, KQ suspended its services on the route for the affected dates.

The airline confirmed that flight KQ 002 from Nairobi (NBO) to New York (JFK) scheduled for February 22, 2026, and the return flight KQ 003 from New York to Nairobi on February 23, 2026, have been cancelled. Kenya Airways said it plans to resume operations with KQ 002 on February 24 and KQ 003 on February 25, once weather conditions improve and it is safe to operate.

“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,” the airline said.

It added that it is closely monitoring the situation and engaging relevant airport stakeholders, promising to provide updates directly to affected passengers as more information becomes available.

The cancellations come as a powerful winter storm is forecast to batter much of the US coastal Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. More than 50 million Americans are expected to experience severe winter conditions from today into Monday, with blizzard warnings predicting snowfall totals of between 12 and 18 inches and wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph.

New York City could receive between 12 and 20 inches of snow, with some projections warning of up to 24 inches, potentially making it the heaviest snowstorm in the city since 2016.

Massachusetts is also expected to see snowfall of up to 24 inches, while parts of Pennsylvania could receive between eight and 12 inches.

Forecasters have warned that the storm could intensify rapidly into a “bomb cyclone” as barometric pressure drops sharply.

Heavy snow, strong winds and possible coastal flooding are expected from Delaware to Boston, including the Jersey Shore and Long Island, with whiteout conditions likely in some areas.

Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, as nearly 3,000 flights had already been cancelled nationwide by today morning.