New Delhi:
Air India has issued a travel advisory ahead of a severe winter storm forecast for the US East Coast.
In a statement posted on X, the airline said all its flights to and from New York and Newark have been cancelled on January 25 and 26 due to the expected weather conditions.
“A severe winter storm with heavy snowfall is forecast for New York, New Jersey and adjoining areas on the US East Coast from early Sunday morning to Monday, which is likely to significantly impact flight operations. In the interest of the safety, well-being and convenience of our passengers and crew, all Air India flights to and from New York and Newark stand cancelled on January 25 and 26,” the airline said.
Air India added that its teams will assist passengers booked on these flights. Travellers have been advised to contact the airline’s 24×7 call centre or check updates on the official website.
According to CNN, nearly two-thirds of the US population is facing an intense winter storm and extreme cold. Snow and ice are expected to stretch over 2,000 miles from Texas to New England as the system moves east through the weekend.
The storm could lead to crippling ice accumulation, affecting power lines and potentially leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity, some for days. Thousands of flights have already been cancelled, and road travel across large parts of the affected region is expected to be difficult or impossible.
At least 15 states — including New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia and Texas — have declared a state of emergency to mobilise resources. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced a disaster declaration covering 134 counties, while Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has also declared an emergency.
CNN reported that more than half of Americans are expected to experience sub-zero wind chills in the coming week.
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the administration is coordinating with state and local authorities, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on standby to respond to the situation. (Agencies)
