News

Flights cancelled as Gonzalo tail hits UK

Image via Shutterstock

Air passengers are being urged to check if their flights are operating today as gales from the remnants of Hurricane Gonzalo hit the UK.


About 10% of all flights at Heathrow have been grounded as strong winds are expected, with the 20 biggest carriers affected.


British Airways cancelled flights ahead of the expected severe weather.


The remains of the hurricane are predicted to bring heavy rain and gusts of up to 80 miles per hour in some areas, causing disruption to rush-hour travel.


BA said: “Much of the UK and Northern Europe will experience high winds and heavy rain on Tuesday as a result of the tail-end of Hurricane Gonzalo.


“British Airways has agreed with a request from Heathrow airport and National Air Traffic Services to reduce its schedule at Heathrow as there will be a lower number of aircraft allowed to land each hour for safety reasons.




“Other airports have also reduced the number of aircraft they are able to handle.



“We are sorry that a number of short-haul and domestic flights have been cancelled and others may experience delays as a result of the poor weather. We are working as hard as we can to mitigate any disruption.”


The bad weather compounds trouble for passengers with Lufthansa cancelling a raft of flights due to the latest strike by pilots.


Heathrow said: “Strong winds are forecast for Tuesday and some flights may be subject to delays and cancellations. Please check your flight status with your airline before coming to the airport and leave extra time for your journey to and from the airport.”


P&O Ferries suspended all sailings on the Larne-Cainryan route across the Irish Sea due to severe weather however Dover-Calais services were operating to schedule.


The Met Office, which issued a “yellow” weather warning, said the strongest winds were expected “after the rain clears and winds veer north-westerly through Tuesday morning”.


Gonzalo caused widespread damage and a power blackout when it hit Bermuda last week, with winds of up to 110 miles per hour. The island’s airport re-opened on Sunday afternoon and cruise ship visits are due to resume tomorrow (Wednesday) with a call by Celebrity Infinity.

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.