Thousands of US domestic and international flights have been cancelled and cruise lines have had to change itineraries after a powerful winter snowstorm hit the US north-east coast.
States including New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey have declared a state of emergency because of Winter Storm Hernando. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has urged people to stay at home, and the city has been placed under its first blizzard warning in nine years, with a non-essential travel ban in place from 9pm Sunday (2am GMT) to 12pm today (5pm GMT).
The US National Weather Service warned: “A major winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast that may cause impossible travel conditions and power outages. Blizzard conditions are possible along coastal areas from the DelMarVa Peninsula through southeastern New England.”
Flights have been cancelled from major airports including JFK, Newark and Boston over the next two days.
Virgin Atlantic cancelled several flights yesterday (Sunday 23 February), and has cancelled 11 Heathrow to JFK services, two Heathrow to Boston and two Manchester to Boston flights today.
British Airways and American Airlines have also cancelled multiple flights from Heathrow to destinations including JFK, Philadelphia, and Boston today.
Dublin Airport said 13 inbound and outbound flights have been cancelled today.
A statement on Virgin’s website says: “To ensure the safety and well-being 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.”
Delta said it expects to suspend operations in New York and Boston until Tuesday, and affected customers can re-book and travel before 28 February without paying a fare difference.
It said: “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 traveling in affected areas are encouraged to move their flights before or after the storm.”
Cruises have also been affected by the storm. Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas had been due to depart from New Jersey’s Cape Liberty on Sunday but has remained docked overnight, according to cruise news site Cruise Hive. Itinerary changes have not yet been given.
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas will skip today’s planned call at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Cruise Hive reports an email sent to guests said: “Due to a weather system expected to bring unfavorable conditions and rough seas to Perfect Day at CocoCay on Monday, February 23, we will be skipping our visit and enjoying a Sea Day instead.”
MSC’s MSC Meraviglia is also still docked in Brooklyn, having been due to set sail on a week-long Bahamas cruise on Sunday.
Travel Gossip has contacted MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean for the latest updates on the sailings.
Photo: stock image of a plane at JFK
