Kenya Airways Cancels U.S. Flights Amid Severe Winter Weather, Warns of Further Disruptions
Airline Prioritizes Safety as Snowstorms Disrupt Transatlantic Operations; Passengers Advised to Check for Updates
Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced the cancellation of multiple flights between Nairobi and New York due to severe adverse weather conditions, including major snowstorms, currently impacting the United States.
The airline has confirmed the immediate cancellation of two key services:
- Flight KQ 002 from Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport – NBO) to New York (John F. Kennedy International Airport – JFK) scheduled for Saturday, 24 January 2026.
- Flight KQ 003 from New York (JFK) to Nairobi (NBO) scheduled for Sunday, 25 January 2026.
In a statement, the airline emphasized that passenger and crew safety is the paramount concern behind the decision. “The safety of our guests and crew remains our highest priority, and these cancellations have been made in the interest of safe operations,” the notice read.
The disruption is expected to extend into the coming days. Kenya Airways has proactively warned that Flight KQ 002 on Sunday, 25 January 2026, and the subsequent Flight KQ 003 on Monday, 26 January 2026, may also face significant disruptions or cancellations as the winter weather system persists.
“Our teams are actively monitoring the situation and will keep our customers updated as we continue to assess and provide further guidance,” the airline stated, advising affected passengers against proceeding to airports without confirmed rebookings.
Advice for Affected Passengers:
Kenya Airways has apologized for the inconvenience and urged travelers on the affected routes to take the following steps:
1. Check Official Channels: For real-time updates, passengers should monitor the Kenya Airways website or mobile app.
2. Contact Customer Care: Reach out to the Customer Excellence team via phone at +254 711 024 747, WhatsApp at +254 705 474 747, or through social media on X (formerly Twitter) @KQSupport.
3. Do Not Travel to the Airport for a cancelled flight without first securing a new itinerary.
The airline typically offers options such as rebooking on the next available flights or providing refunds in accordance with its conditions of carriage when cancellations are due to circumstances beyond its control, like extreme weather.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience and understanding,” the statement concluded, reaffirming its commitment to customer care during operational challenges.
Kenya Airways is the flag carrier of Kenya and a major African airline connecting passengers through its Nairobi hub to destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
