Passengers Stranded as Kenya Airways Cancels New York–Nairobi Flight

Kenya Airways has cancelled Flight KQ003 from New York to Nairobi on Saturday, 18 July 2026, due to adverse weather affecting the operation of John F. Kennedy International Airport.

In a customer update released on 19 July 2026, the airline said, “For the safety and comfort of our crew and passengers, KQ003, scheduled to leave New York John F. Kennedy International Airport on Saturday, 18 July 2006, was cancelled.”

“The aircraft will leave immediately the weather is suitable, and all the required safety and regulatory procedures are completed, and the required air traffic clearance is received.” Stated KQ

The board apologized for the disruption and stated that it “will continue to keep the affected customers updated.”

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Weather Disrupts JFK Operations as Kenya Airways Cancels Flights. 

According to the airline, airport operations in New York were “significantly disrupted” by adverse weather, forcing the cancellation of the long-haul service to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

The board noted they are monitoring the situation in New York and will continue to suspend the flight until it is safe to resume operations.

“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,” Kenya Airways said.

Kenya Airways expressed its apology to inconvenienced travelers and thanked customers for their patience and support during this disruption.

“We sincerely apologize 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,” the airline stated.

The carrier emphasized that safety remains its top priority.

“The safety of our guests, crew and aircraft remains our highest priority,” Kenya Airways added in the statement signed by Corporate Communications.

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Impact of Heavy Rainfall on Infrastructure and Daily Life in New York Including Airport Disruptions and Emergency Response Measures

This comes after heavy rain overwhelmed roads, flooded basements, and disrupted life in the capital city.

According to Upuknews 1, the heaviness of rain was such that on the major airports like JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark, services and operations had to be halted for some time.

Emergency authorities activated alerts across the entire city and instructed people to stay at home and limited public place movements due to floods.

Many streets were flooded, and emergency response teams collaborated to get flood reports.

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Passengers Board Kenya Airways Plane at the JKIA
PHOTO/The Standard