Kenya Airways has cancelled its scheduled flights to and from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport following a severe blizzard warning in the United States.
The affected services include flight KQ 002 from Nairobi to New York, which was due to depart on 22 February 2026, and flight KQ 003 from New York to Nairobi, scheduled for 23 February 2026.
The national carrier attributed the cancellations to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions that have disrupted operations across parts of the United States. Airport authorities at JFK temporarily suspended certain flight operations due to the adverse conditions.
In a statement issued on Sunday, 22 February 2026, the airline confirmed the decision, noting that passenger and crew safety remained paramount.
“Further to the above, and for the safety of our customers and crew, the following flights have been cancelled,” the airline said.
When Will Flights Resume?
Kenya Airways has indicated that it plans to operate flight KQ 002 on 24 February 2026 and KQ 003 on 25 February 2026, subject to improved weather conditions and operational clearance.
The airline apologised for the inconvenience and assured customers that its teams are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with airport authorities. Affected passengers will receive updates directly as more information becomes available.
Travellers are advised to check the Kenya Airways website, mobile app, or contact customer care for the latest flight information.
Also Read: Kenya’s Public Debt Swelled by KSh 1.37 Trillion in 2025 as Domestic Lenders Shouldered the Burden
Government Plans to Sell Stake in Kenya Airways
Separately, the government has announced plans to privatise Kenya Airways by selling its stake to international investors in a transaction expected to raise up to KSh 258 billion.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said a global expression of interest will be issued to attract a strategic investor prepared to inject between $1.2 billion and $2 billion into the airline.
The move forms part of commitments under Kenya’s loan programme with the International Monetary Fund, which requires the government to secure a capital investor for the carrier.
The state currently holds a 48.9 percent stake in Kenya Airways, following a 2017 debt-to-equity conversion, while local banks own 38.1 percent. The proposed sale is aimed at strengthening the airline’s financial position, reducing its debt burden, and supporting future expansion.
