Air India has announced the cancellation of all its scheduled flights to and from New York and Newark on 25 and 26 January, attributing the decision to a severe winter storm forecast to hit the US East Coast.
In a travel advisory posted on X on Saturday, the airline stated: “A severe winter storm with heavy snow is forecast for New York, New Jersey and adjoining areas in the US East Coast from early Sunday morning to Monday, which will have a significant impact on flight operations.”
Air India added: “In view of the safety, well‑being and convenience of our passengers and crew, all Air India flights to and from New York and Newark have been cancelled on 25 and 26 January.”
According to Reuters on Saturday, more than 8,000 flights across the US set to take off over the weekend have been cancelled as a major storm expected to wreak havoc across much of the country bears down, threatening to knock out power for days and snarl major roadways.
Roughly 140 million people were under a winter storm warning from New Mexico to New England.
The National Weather Service forecast warns of widespread heavy snow and a band of catastrophic ice stretching from east Texas to North Carolina.
The airline said its teams will assist affected travellers booked on those dates and urged them to contact the 24×7 Call Centre numbers +91 1169329333 and +91 1169329999, and check the airline’s website for updated information.
Storm Expected to Bring Heavy Snow, Widespread Disruption
According to the forecasts and official weather warnings, the severe winter storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall, strong winds and hazardous travel conditions across the northeastern United States, particularly in New York City, New Jersey and adjoining regions beginning Sunday, NBC News reports.
Preliminary weather forecasts indicate snow accumulations could range from 8–16 inches in parts of the tri‑state area, with difficult travel conditions persisting through Monday.
Weather authorities have issued winter storm warnings for the region, and transport systems including airlines and transit services are preparing for major service disruptions during the storm period, Reuters also noted.
Wider Travel Impact Across the United States
The storm has also caused broader travel chaos across the United States and affected airline operations beyond Air India.
Major carriers have reported flight cancellations and delays amid forecasts of heavy snow, ice and strong winds expected to disrupt operations across the East Coast and other regions.