Kenya Airways has cancelled two long-haul flights between Nairobi and New York as severe winter weather continues to batter large parts of the United States, disrupting airport operations and airline schedules. In a customer update issued on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, the national carrier confirmed the cancellation of Flight KQ 002 from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), scheduled for the same day. The return service, Flight KQ 003 from New York to Nairobi, due to depart on Sunday, January 25, has also been cancelled.
Snowstorms Disrupt Major U.S. Airports
Kenya Airways said the decision was made in the interest of safety as snowstorms, icy runways and reduced visibility continue to affect large swathes of the United States, including key aviation hubs such as New York.
In a statement, the airline said:
“The safety of our guests and crew remains our highest priority, and these cancellations have been made in the interest of safe operations. Our teams are actively monitoring the situation and will keep our customers updated as we continue to assess and provide further guidance.”
The cancellations mirror widespread disruption across North American airspace, with several international and domestic carriers reporting delays, diversions and groundings.
More Disruptions Possible
The airline cautioned that the impact of the severe weather may extend beyond the weekend. Flight KQ 002 scheduled for Sunday, January 25, could still be disrupted, with possible spillover effects on Flight KQ 003 on Monday, January 26, depending on how the situation evolves.
Kenya Airways urged affected passengers to regularly check their flight status before heading to the airport. Customers are expected to receive direct communication regarding rebooking options, travel waivers and further updates as conditions change.
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