Snowstorm Stella grounds Etihad and Emirates flights to the US

Emirates and Etihad have cancelled flights scheduled for Tuesday to Boston and New York.

This NOAA/NASA GOES East satellite handout image shows storm activity in the eastern United States. Nearly half the United States was caught in an icy blast on Monday, with much of the East Coast bracing for what could be the worst winter storm of the year. NOAA-NASA GOES Project / AFPShow less

Flights to and from the United States have been cancelled because of winter snowstorm Stella that is affecting the north-east of the country.

Emirates and Etihad Airways cancelled flights scheduled for Tuesday to Boston and New York, while passengers scheduled to depart or arrive at US destinations are also being advised to check their flight status.

“Due to the potential impact of winter storm Stella on flight operations at US east coast airports, several Emirates flights scheduled to operate on March 14 have been delayed or cancelled,” said a spokeswoman for Emirates.

Eight Emirates flights were cancelled to and from New York’s JFK airport and Boston’s Logan airport on Tuesday.

“Emirates flights EK203 and EK201 to New York JFK and EK240 and EK238 to Boston were cancelled today due to the snowstorm and passengers are being rebooked on the next available flight,” the spokeswoman said.

Two flights, EK207 and EK231, from Dubai to JFK and Washington DC have been delayed in an attempt to avoid the worst of the weather.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and we apologise for any inconvenience. The safety of our crew and passengers is of the utmost importance.”

Etihad Airways cancelled Tuesday’s flight EY103 from Abu Dhabi to New York as well as the return flight EY102, which was also scheduled for Tuesday.

“Etihad Airways’ flight EY101 from Abu Dhabi to New York on March 14 will be upgraded to an Airbus A380 aircraft to accommodate a large number of the guests affected by the cancellations. The upgraded service may be delayed dependent on the development of the storm,” said a spokesman for Etihad.

The airline said it would continue to monitor the weather conditions closely while assisting affected passengers and advising them of itinerary changes.

“Etihad Airways flights to and from Washington DC and Chicago are not anticipated to be affected and currently operate per schedule,” the spokesman said.

Passengers are urged to regularly check for updates on their flights at emirates.com and etihad.com.