As Winter Storm Fern intensifies, causing widespread disruption across the United States, several prominent airlines from the Middle East, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways, have cancelled numerous flights to the U.S. due to the severe weather. The snowstorm, which is sweeping from the South to the Northeast, has caused significant challenges for travelers, affecting flights, airports, and ground transportation. This sudden shift in weather patterns has forced global airlines to take immediate action to protect the safety of their passengers and crew, while travel chaos ensues.
Impact on Air Travel: Cancellations and Disruptions
With the storm causing massive delays and cancellations, airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, have suspended flights to the U.S. from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, respectively. The disruptions have been particularly significant in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the U.S., with New York, Washington D.C., Dallas, and Chicago seeing the most severe impact. Emirates, for example, has grounded several flights departing from Dubai, while Etihad Airways has cancelled multiple services from Abu Dhabi to the U.S. The airlines have also updated their passengers, advising them to contact customer service for rebookings or refunds.
Why Airlines are Reacting Quickly: Safety First
The decision to cancel flights stems from safety concerns, as snow, freezing rain, and blizzards continue to create treacherous conditions at airports and on the roads. The U.S. National Weather Service has issued extensive winter weather warnings across 18 U.S. states, urging travelers to stay off the roads and avoid non‑essential travel. According to official reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), several airports in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, and Dallas are experiencing disruptions to airport operations, leading to flight delays and cancellations. The FAA has advised passengers to stay in touch with their airlines for real-time updates.
Ground Transportation and Airport Delays: Travelers Affected Nationwide
The severe weather has also affected ground transportation, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast, where icy roads, snow accumulations, and freezing rain have caused road closures and delayed bus and rail services. Airports such as John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia in New York, and Chicago O’Hare have been struggling to manage the growing backlog of passengers, many of whom have been left stranded due to cancellations. Travelers who were fortunate enough to board flights before cancellations reported longer waiting times for de-icing, security, and gate changes.
Passenger Advice: How to Navigate the Disruptions
With flights being cancelled and travel delays mounting, passengers are advised to check their flight statuses regularly, either through the airline’s official websites or apps. In many cases, airlines have been offering alternate flight options, including rerouting passengers to nearby cities to help them reach their destinations. Some airlines, including Qatar Airways, have initiated special rebooking policies to accommodate passengers affected by the storm, while Emirates and Etihad Airways have issued refunds and credits for future travel for those whose flights were cancelled.
Winter Storm Fern: A Widespread Crisis for Travelers
Winter Storm Fern is not only disrupting air travel but has caused widespread havoc across 18 states in the U.S., leading to road closures, power outages, and hazardous driving conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued emergency weather alerts for severe snowstorms and freezing rain, particularly in the Northeast, where Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia have faced significant delays and flight cancellations. These severe conditions have prompted the closure of major highways and have led to a growing number of car accidents and emergency rescues due to the icy conditions.
The Economic Impact: Airlines and Tourism Hit Hard
The ripple effect from this winter storm extends beyond just flight cancellations and delays. The travel industry as a whole is facing significant financial losses, with airlines, airports, and tour operators all experiencing the impact. Hotel accommodations, especially in affected regions, have been booked to full capacity as stranded travelers scramble to find places to stay, while tourism activities in major cities across the U.S. have come to a halt. Travel insurance companies are also seeing a spike in claims as cancellations, delays, and trip interruptions increase.
Safety Measures: How Airlines are Ensuring Passenger Safety
Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways have reassured passengers that safety remains the airlines’ top priority. According to statements from these airlines, the decision to cancel flights and adjust schedules was made after consultations with airport authorities and weather experts to ensure safe operations. Additionally, both Qatar Airways and Emirates have proactively rebooked and offered travel waivers to help passengers whose flights were affected. Airlines are also ensuring that crew members are trained in handling adverse weather conditions and keeping passengers informed of new schedules, gates, and safety precautions.
Conclusion: Travelers Urged to Exercise Caution
As Winter Storm Fern continues to affect air travel and ground transportation in the U.S., travelers are urged to check their flight status regularly and monitor weather updates. Airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, are doing everything they can to help affected passengers, offering rebooking, refunds, and credits to mitigate the disruption. However, with the storm still ongoing, it is important for travelers to remain flexible and prepared for potential further delays, particularly in regions like New York, Washington, and Boston, where conditions are expected to worsen.
In this challenging travel environment, staying updated, communicating with airlines, and ensuring all arrangements are flexible are the best ways to navigate the disruptions caused by Winter Storm Fern.
The post Winter Storm Fern Causes Widespread Disruptions as Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways Cancel US Flights Amid Snow and Ice Chaos appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
