In response to a severe weather alert for a “Super Bomb” cyclone, Air India has announced the cancellation of all flight operations to and from New York (JFK) and Newark (EWR) scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026.
The decision comes as Winter Storm Hernando—forecasted to be the most significant blizzard to hit New York City since 2017—approaches the US East Coast. The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for the region, predicting up to 1.5 to 2 feet (46–61 cm) of snow and wind gusts up to 90 km/h (55 mph).
Key Travel Disruptions
Air India stated the move was made to ensure the “safety, well-being, and convenience” of passengers and crew. Beyond Air India, other major carriers are adjusting their schedules:
- Delta Air Lines: Has proactively cancelled numerous flights at its JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), and Boston (BOS) hubs.
- Emirates & Etihad: Reported similar cancellations and reschedules for their East Coast routes.
- Waivers: Most airlines, including Delta, have waived change fees and fare differences for travellers looking to rebook their flights for later dates.
Assistance for Affected Passengers
Air India’s support teams are actively reaching out to passengers booked on the cancelled February 23 flights. Travellers are encouraged to use the following 24/7 helplines for rebooking or refund inquiries:
- Helpline 1: +91 1169329333
- Helpline 2: +91 1169329999
- Official Website: airindia.com
Winter Storm Hernando: What to Expect
Weather authorities have warned that the peak of the storm will occur between Sunday evening and Monday afternoon, creating “near-impossible” travel conditions.
| Location | Forecasted Snowfall | Alert Level |
| New York City | 12–18 Inches | Blizzard Warning |
| Long Island | 15–20 Inches | Blizzard Warning |
| New Jersey / CT | 10–20 Inches | State of Emergency |
| Boston | 12–18 Inches | Blizzard Warning |
Governor Kathy Hochul has already declared a State of Emergency for New York, activating the National Guard and implementing travel bans on commercial vehicles for major interstates like I-84 to keep roads clear for emergency services.

