Kenya Airways has cancelled Flight KQ003 from New York to Nairobi after severe weather disrupted operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport, leaving passengers facing delays as adverse weather conditions affected one of the world's busiest airports.
In a customer update issued on Sunday, the national carrier said the decision to cancel the flight was made to prioritise the safety of passengers, crew and the aircraft.
"Due to severe weather conditions being experienced in New York, airport operations were significantly disrupted," Kenya Airways said.
The affected flight, KQ003, had been scheduled to depart from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport on Saturday, July 18, for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
The airline said the aircraft would remain grounded until conditions improved and all operational and regulatory requirements had been satisfied.
"For the safety and comfort of our crew and passengers, KQ003, scheduled to depart on Saturday, 18 July 2026, from New York (John F. Kennedy International Airport) to Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport), was cancelled," the airline said.
Kenya Airways assured affected travellers that it was closely monitoring the situation and would resume the service once it was safe to do so.
"The aircraft will depart as soon as weather conditions improve, all the safety and regulatory measures have been met and the necessary air traffic clearance is granted," the statement added.
The airline apologised to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the disruption, acknowledging the frustration that comes with unexpected travel delays.
"We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank our guests for their patience and understanding. We will continue to keep our affected guests updated with the latest information," Kenya Airways said.
The carrier reiterated that passenger safety remains its foremost consideration in all operational decisions, particularly during periods of adverse weather that can affect airport operations and flight schedules.
"The safety of our guests, crew and aircraft remains our highest priority," the airline said.
The cancellation comes as severe weather continues to affect air travel in parts of the United States, with airlines monitoring conditions and adjusting schedules where necessary to ensure compliance with aviation safety standards.
Kenya Airways has advised affected passengers to await further communication regarding revised departure arrangements as operations at JFK Airport return to normal.