Emirates, Etihad Cancel and Reschedule UAE–US Flights Amid Severe Snowstorm

Major Middle Eastern airlines Emirates and Etihad Airways have canceled and rescheduled multiple flights between the United Arab Emirates and the United States after a powerful winter storm blanketed large parts of North America with heavy snow, ice, and dangerous winds.
The storm, which meteorologists described as one of the most disruptive of the season, caused widespread airport closures and delays across the northeastern and midwestern United States. Major hubs including New York, Boston, Chicago, and Washington experienced runway shutdowns and severe staffing disruptions, forcing international carriers to suspend long-haul services for safety reasons.
Flight Disruptions Across Key Routes
Emirates confirmed that several flights from Dubai to U.S. destinations such as New York (JFK), Boston, Chicago, and Newark were either canceled outright or delayed by more than 24 hours. Etihad also announced schedule changes affecting its Abu Dhabi services to New York and Washington, citing unsafe landing conditions and congestion at U.S. airports.
In a statement, Emirates said passenger safety was its “highest priority” and that operations would resume only when weather conditions and airport infrastructure allowed normal service. Etihad echoed the sentiment, advising travelers to check flight status online before heading to the airport.
Airports on the U.S. East Coast reported snowfall exceeding 30 inches in some regions, with blizzard-like conditions making aircraft de-icing and ground handling extremely difficult. Thousands of domestic flights were grounded, creating a ripple effect for international services.
Passengers Stranded and Rebooked
The sudden wave of cancellations left many passengers stranded at Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport, some of whom were traveling for business, family emergencies, or long-planned holidays. Airlines said they were working to rebook affected travelers on later services once U.S. airports reopen fully.
“I was supposed to fly to New York for a conference,” said Khalid Al-Mansoori, a Dubai-based passenger. “The airline staff were helpful, but the uncertainty is stressful. Hotels are filling up quickly because so many flights are canceled.”
Both carriers have offered free rebooking and ticket flexibility for customers traveling during the storm window. Passengers were also advised to avoid unnecessary travel to airports unless they had confirmed departure times.
Economic and Logistical Impact
The cancellations highlight the vulnerability of global aviation to extreme weather events. Long-haul routes between the Gulf and North America are among the most profitable for Emirates and Etihad, and even short disruptions can cost airlines millions of dollars in lost revenue, fuel rescheduling, and compensation expenses.
Cargo operations were also affected. Emirates SkyCargo confirmed that several freight shipments, including pharmaceuticals and electronics, were delayed due to airport closures and limited ground handling capacity in the United States.
Industry analysts noted that climate-related weather extremes are increasingly disrupting international travel patterns. “Airlines now factor in severe winter storms as routine operational risks,” said aviation consultant Mark Reynolds. “What used to be rare is becoming more frequent.”
Government and Airport Responses
U.S. aviation authorities urged travelers to monitor official advisories and avoid non-essential travel during the storm. Snowplows, emergency crews, and de-icing teams worked around the clock to reopen runways and terminals, but progress remained slow in heavily affected regions.
Meanwhile, UAE aviation authorities said they were coordinating with airlines and U.S. airport officials to ensure safe resumption of services. Embassies in Washington and New York also issued travel alerts to UAE nationals.
Looking Ahead
Both Emirates and Etihad expect gradual normalization of services over the next 48 to 72 hours, depending on weather improvements and airport recovery efforts. Additional flights may be added later in the week to accommodate backlogged passengers.
For now, travelers between the UAE and the U.S. are being urged to remain flexible and prepared for further changes. The episode serves as another reminder of how interconnected global aviation is — and how a single storm system can disrupt journeys across continents.