Transatlantic Flights Disrupted as Storm Hernando Impacts Ireland-US Travel

A powerful winter storm, dubbed Storm Hernando, is causing significant disruption to air travel between Ireland and the United States. As of February 24, 2026, at least 14 flights have been cancelled, impacting passengers and cargo routes.

Storm Hernando’s Impact on Flights

The storm, which has triggered blizzard warnings across the US Northeast, has led to the cancellation of both inbound and outbound flights. Dublin Airport confirmed seven outbound and six inbound services were grounded on February 23, 2026 [RTE]. Shannon Airport also experienced cancellations, including the 2:45 PM flight to Boston [GalwayBeo].

Affected Airports and Airlines

Flights to New York (JFK), New Jersey (Newark) and Boston are among those affected [RTE]. Airlines including Aer Lingus, Delta, United, and American Airlines have issued weather waivers allowing passengers scheduled to travel on February 23-24 to rebook without change fees, though fare differences may apply [VisaHQ].

Broader Disruptions in the US

The impact of Storm Hernando extends beyond air travel. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has declared a state of emergency and ordered non-essential vehicles off city roads to facilitate snow removal [RTE]. The city is under its first blizzard warning since 2017. The storm has led to the closure of five US passport-issuance centers [VisaHQ].

Impact on Business Travel and Cargo

Experts anticipate that the disruption will last several days due to the displacement of wide-body aircraft and crews. This may force Irish exporters to reroute urgent cargo through alternative hubs in continental Europe [VisaHQ].

Passenger Advice

Passengers affected by cancellations are advised to contact their airlines directly for the latest updates and rebooking options [RTE]. Travel-management companies are recommending that corporate travelers activate ‘split-ticket’ contingency plans, utilizing alternative routes through Chicago, Atlanta, or European gateways [VisaHQ].