Emirates cancels more flights to US as Hurricane Sandy hits

Dubai-based carrier Emirates grounded more flights to the United Sates as Hurricane Sandy pummels the east coast.

DUBAI// Emirates grounded more flights between the UAE and New York today and announced delays to its Washington DC route as Hurricane Sandy batters the east coast of the United States.

Thousands of passengers have been affected by the cancellations as the airline services the New York route with the 516-seater A380 super jumbo and the 360-seat Boeing 777.

So far the Dubai-based carrier has cancelled four flights.

EK201 and EK203 from Dubai to JFK Airport and EK202 and EK204 from JFK back to Dubai International Airport, that were due to fly out today.

This adds to the cancellation of four flights yesterday.

EK231 from Dubai to Washington DC and EK232 on the return route are also affected.

"Emirates apologises for any inconvenience caused to its customers, however the safety of our passengers and crew is of the highest priority and will not be compromised," said a statement on the Emirates website.

Etihad cancelled two flights between Abu Dhabi and JFK airport yesterday and announced serious delays to two flights between Abu Dhabi and New York scheduled for today.

Flight EY101 from Abu Dhabi to New York has been delayed by 16-hours and EY100 from New York to Abu Dhabi has been grounded for 12 hours.

"A resumption of our daily return service to and from New York on Wednesday, 31 October, is expected, however will only operate pending an improvement in the weather situation in the New York area," said a statement on Etihad's website.

The airline said it will continue to monitor the situation.

"Etihad Airways apologises for this disruption.

"The airline is contacting affected passengers and assisting with alternative travel arrangements," added the statement.

Emirates and Etihad say they are monitoring the situation and urged passengers to check for the latest updates on www.emirates.com and www.etihadairways.com