UAE–US Travel Chaos: Emirates and Etihad Cancel Flights Amid East Coast Storm

DUBAI- 22-02-2026 Air travel between the United Arab Emirates and the United States has been thrown into disarray as a powerful storm system — a rapidly intensifying Nor’easter — battered the eastern seaboard of the US, prompting major airlines from the Gulf to cancel and reschedule flights.

Meteorologists warned that heavy snowfall, gale-force winds, and blizzard conditions could sweep across the densely populated Interstate 95 corridor, affecting major hubs such as New York, Newark and Boston. Cities including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington were forecast to see snow accumulations of up to one to two feet, triggering safety concerns and significant travel disruption.

Major Flight Cancellations and Rescheduling

Both of the UAE’s flagship carriers — Emirates and Etihad Airways — confirmed that they had been forced to adjust operations in response to the severe weather.

• Emirates cancelled several long-haul services between Dubai and New York/Newark, including flight EK203 from Dubai to New York and its return service EK204.
• Other Emirates services were rescheduled, with departures and arrivals adjusted to later times or rerouted to alternate hubs. The airline advised affected passengers to check flight status updates and contact their travel agents for rebooking.

Meanwhile, Etihad Airways also announced cancellations and schedule changes for flights between Abu Dhabi and major US destinations. Cancelled services included EY1 and EY2 (Abu Dhabi–New York return) and EY7/8 between Abu Dhabi and Boston. Some flights were delayed or rescheduled as the carrier attempted to adapt to evolving conditions.

Both airlines said they were offering passengers options to rebook or receive refunds where applicable, and warned that further changes might be necessary as weather conditions develop.

Impact on Passengers and Travel Plans

The storm’s impact is not limited to Gulf carriers — several other international airlines have also reported cancellations or delays on routes to and from US East Coast airports. Heavy snow and strong crosswinds have disrupted airport operations, leading to delays in departures and arrivals and leaving some travellers stranded or facing significant itinerary changes.

Airlines are urging passengers to regularly check their flight statuses, stay in touch with booking partners, and plan for additional delays as the region contends with challenging winter weather.

Wider Operational Challenges

The storm comes at a time when airlines globally are already navigating complex scheduling demands. Weather-related disruptions like this have ripple effects throughout international flight networks, particularly on long-haul services that depend on tightly coordinated connections across continents.

For many travellers between the UAE and the United States — whether for business, leisure or family reasons — the message from carriers is clear: expect delays, plan ahead, and prepare for possible rescheduling as conditions evolve.