- Flight Disruptions
- Storm Hernando triggers widespread UK–US flight cancellations
Storm Hernando triggers widespread UK–US flight cancellations
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Checked by Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Last updated on 27 February 2026
10
Affected airports
6
Affected airlines
10
Affected airports
6
Affected airlines
What Happened
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.
Flight Disruption Details
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.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Weather issue
Status
Past disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Airlines affected
Delta, American, JetBlue, United, Spirit, Southwest
Airports affected
London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport, JFK Airport, Boston Logan International, Newark Liberty, Philadelphia International
Cities affected
London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Dublin, Shannon, New York, Newark, Boston, Philadelphia
Countries affected
United Kingdom, Ireland, United States
Start date
2026-02-23
Checked by
Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Date updated
27 February 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
