Major flights disruption as massive snowstorm hits US east coast

Airlines have been forced to cancel multiple transatlantic services to the US east coast as a massive winter storm hit the region.

 

Operations were suspended at the key international gateways of New York JFK and Boston airports, leading to the grounding of flights.

 

Almost 4,000 mainly US domestic flights were reportedly affected on Sunday with hundreds of others delayed as states of emergency were declared across large swathes of the US northeast due to Winter Storm Hernando.

 

The US National Weather Service warned of “nearly impossible travel conditions” as the major winter storm’s heavy snowfall and strong winds brought blizzard conditions, flooding and power outrages.   

 

Virgin Atlantic said 14 flights between Heathrow and JFK had been cancelled over three days up until tomorrow (Tuesday) together with four to and from Manchester.   

Two Heathrow-Boston flights scheduled for today (Monday) have also been grounded.

 

The airline said: “Due to severe weather in New York and Boston, the Port Authority of New York and Boston has suspended operations at JFK and BOS Airport, which is impacting our flying programme.

 

“To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew, we’re taking steps to manage this disruption. 

 

“As a result of the Port Authority’s decision to suspend airport operations, some flights have been cancelled.

 

“Customers affected by these cancellations will be rebooked onto alternative travel options, and our teams are available to support with any immediate needs.

 

“Some flights to and from the east coast of the USA are currently still scheduled to operate between 22 and 24 February. However, local weather and airport conditions may still cause delays or disruption.”

 

Passengers booked on affected services, including Washington DC, can move travel to another date, free of charge, up to Thursday (February 26), “subject to availability” in the same cabin and route.

 

British Airways and transatlantic partner American Airlines were among other airlines also cancelling flights between Heathrow, New York and Boston today (Monday) along with JetBlue.  

 

Virgin Atlantic’s US partner Delta Air Lines said in an update issued on Sunday: “As Delta teams continue to monitor Winter Storm Hernando, Delta expects to suspend operations at its New York-LGA, New York-JFK and Boston Logan hubs into Tuesday February 24 due to extreme winter weather conditions.

 

“The storm is also creating broader disruptions along the east coast, and customers may experience additional schedule adjustments as the system moves through the region. 

 

“Customers travelling in affected areas are encouraged to move their flights before or after the storm.” 

 

United Airlines indicated that services form 17 airports would be affected up until Wednesday, including New York, Newark, Boston and Washington. 

 

The disruption comes a month after a similar storm grounded thousands of US flights.