Why did Air India ground all New York and Newark flights for two days?

Air India has canceled all its scheduled flights to and from New York and Newark for January 25 and 26, 2026. This decision follows forecasts of a severe winter storm hitting the US East Coast. The storm is expected to bring heavy snow and ice to the New York, New Jersey, and surrounding areas.

Operational Impact on Air India Routes

The cancellations affect key long-haul services for the carrier. Air India operates daily flights from both Delhi and Mumbai to New York. Additionally, the airline maintains daily service from Delhi to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Flights between Mumbai and Newark run on specific days of the week.

Air India issued an official statement on Saturday, January 24, regarding the disruption. The airline cited the expected weather, which will significantly impact flight operations from early Sunday through Monday. The cancellations prioritize the safety, well-being, and convenience of all passengers and crew, according to the airline. Affected passengers are advised to contact the airline's 24x7 call center for assistance with rebooking and other travel arrangements.

Wider US Aviation Disruption

This action by Air India is part of a much wider aviation disruption across the United States. A major winter storm is bearing down on a large section of the country. This system threatens to cause widespread havoc, including power outages and snarled roadways.

• Thousands of flights across the US were canceled over the weekend as the storm approached.
• More than 140 million people were under a winter storm warning from New Mexico to New England.

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast warned of widespread heavy snow. It also predicted a band of catastrophic ice stretching from east Texas to North Carolina. Forecasters cautioned that the resulting damage, especially from ice, could rival that of a hurricane. Major cities like New York City and Boston were forecast to see between 12 and 18 inches of snow. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other US regulators have been closely monitoring the situation.

Industry Response and Safety

International and domestic airlines must adhere to strict safety protocols during severe weather. Ground operations become extremely difficult with heavy snow and freezing rain. This includes de-icing procedures and runway clearance. The decision to cancel flights is a standard safety measure. It protects aircraft, ground crews, and passengers. Other major US carriers also issued travel waivers for the affected regions. This allows customers to change their plans without penalty. The US East Coast is a critical hub for global air travel. Disruptions here have a cascading effect on international schedules.

Air India's proactive cancellation aims to minimize passenger inconvenience. It also ensures the safety of its aircraft and personnel. Passengers are strongly encouraged to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport. They should also monitor official advisories from the airline.

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