Storm Hernando triggers widespread UK–US flight cancellations

Storm Hernando led to major transatlantic disruption on 23 February 2026. Heathrow canceled 32 departures to JFK, with further cancellations at Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, Dublin, and Shannon. In the U.S., widespread cancellations hit Boston, Newark, and Philadelphia, with more than 5,000 flights canceled regionally. Major U.S. airlines issued waivers to rebook travel. Passengers were advised to check airline communications and prepare for delays, queues, and potential accommodation needs.

Storm Hernando caused extensive disruption to transatlantic travel on Monday, 23 February 2026, with numerous cancellations reported between major UK and Irish airports and the United States. The storm brought heavy snow, strong winds, and hazardous conditions along the U.S. East Coast, prompting airlines to cut services and issue rebooking waivers.

At London Heathrow, 32 departures to New York’s JFK Airport were canceled, marking a severe interruption at the hub. Significant disruption was also reported at London Gatwick, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Edinburgh recorded 35 U.S.-bound flight legs canceled, while Manchester had at least three direct services affected.

In Ireland, Dublin Airport confirmed a total of 13 transatlantic cancellations (seven outbound and six inbound) affecting New York JFK, Newark, and Boston. Shannon Airport also reported the cancellation of its 14:45 service to Boston.

The impact in the United States was widespread. More than 5,000 flights across the region were canceled on the same day. Boston Logan International reported hundreds of cancellations and delays, Newark Liberty grounded over 80% of its daily schedule due to crosswinds, and Philadelphia International faced extensive cancellations amid rapid snowfall accumulation.

Airlines advised passengers to check their flights and monitor updates. U.S. carriers including Delta, American, JetBlue, United, Spirit, and Southwest issued waivers allowing rebooking without additional charges. Travelers were encouraged to keep documentation and prepare for queues at customer service or security, and for possible accommodation needs if overnight disruption occurred.

This disruption, driven by severe winter weather conditions associated with Storm Hernando, affected multiple airports and routes on 23 February 2026 and led to widespread cancellations across UK, Irish, and U.S. East Coast hubs.