Severe winter weather across the United States halts major air travel routes, leaving passengers stranded and prompting widespread rescheduling efforts by Emirates and other carriers.
Severe Storm Grounds Transatlantic Operations
Emirates Airlines has canceled multiple flights between Dubai and several U.S. cities as Winter Storm Fern continues to wreak havoc across North America, disrupting air travel and creating operational challenges for carriers worldwide. The airline announced on Monday that ongoing weather-related conditions had forced the temporary suspension of select services to New York, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
The powerful winter system, which has swept across large parts of the U.S. Midwest and East Coast, has brought heavy snow, gale-force winds, and dangerously low temperatures. These conditions have led to widespread flight cancellations, airport delays, and road closures in major metropolitan areas, prompting airlines to adjust their schedules for safety reasons.
Emirates confirmed that the cancellations affect both outbound and inbound routes and that passengers are being contacted directly with rebooking options or full refund offers. “Due to adverse weather conditions associated with Winter Storm Fern affecting several U.S. airports, Emirates has had to cancel a number of flights for safety and operational reasons,” the airline said in a statement. “We regret the inconvenience caused and are working to accommodate affected passengers on alternate flights as soon as conditions improve.”
Impact Across U.S. Airports
According to data released by U.S. aviation authorities, more than 2,000 flights across domestic and international routes were canceled during the past 48 hours. Airports in New York (JFK), Newark, Boston Logan, and Chicago O’Hare experienced some of the worst disruptions as crews worked around the clock to clear runways and restore safety conditions.
Winter Storm Fern, one of the most severe weather systems of the 2025–2026 winter season, has created treacherous operating environments, forcing airport authorities to suspend ground handling operations for extended periods. Winds exceeding 60 mph (nearly 100 km/h) and icy runways have made departures and landings unsafe, leaving airlines like Emirates no reasonable alternative but to delay or cancel flights.
Passengers traveling from Dubai to the United States and vice versa have been urged to check flight status updates through the Emirates website or mobile app before heading to the airport. The airline is offering flexible rebooking policies, including free changes to travel dates once operations resume.
Emirates’ Operational Strategy
Emirates, which connects Dubai to more than a dozen destinations across North America, plays a major role in facilitating long-haul travel between the Middle East and the United States. The cancellations present logistical challenges not only for the airline but also for partner carriers coordinating connecting flights through U.S. hubs.
To minimize disruption, Emirates has been working closely with U.S. airport authorities and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to assess the evolving situation. The airline has also redeployed some of its flight crews and aircraft to unaffected regions to maintain operational stability across its global network.
A spokesperson for Emirates emphasized that passenger safety remains the company’s top priority. “Our flight operations team is monitoring conditions continuously. Flights will resume as soon as it is safe to do so,” the spokesperson said.
Widespread Travel Disruptions Continue
The storm’s impact has rippled across the global travel industry. Several European and Asian airlines have also suspended or rerouted flights to the U.S., citing ongoing blizzard conditions and airport closures. Major U.S. carriers, including Delta, United, and American Airlines, have issued similar travel waivers for affected passengers.
In addition to flight cancellations, the storm has caused cascading issues across transportation networks including power outages, train delays, and hazardous driving conditions in multiple states. Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions stabilize.
Meteorologists say Winter Storm Fern is expected to move northeastward over the next 24–36 hours, gradually weakening as it passes through New England and parts of eastern Canada. Improved weather conditions could allow international flights to resume by midweek, depending on the extent of airport recovery and clearance operations.
What Passengers Should Know
Travel experts recommend that affected passengers remain proactive in monitoring updates and communicating with airlines. Emirates has pledged to provide real-time notifications about rebookings and recovery flights through its official platforms. The airline advises customers who booked through travel agencies to contact their agents directly for assistance.
Travelers are also advised to avoid rushing to airports unless their rebooked departure has been confirmed, as many terminals remain congested from earlier delays. Those with urgent travel needs are being prioritized, though wait times at call centers and airport service desks remain high.
Despite the temporary setbacks, Emirates reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe, reliable travel once weather conditions stabilize. “We appreciate our customers’ understanding during this severe weather event,” the airline said. “Our teams in both Dubai and the United States are doing everything possible to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
