Virgin Atlantic has cancelled multiple flights to and from Orlando and Tampa to Heathrow and Manchester today and tomorrow while an Edinburgh-Orlando service has been delayed by 23 hours ahead of Hurricane Milton striking Florida.
The airline said: “Due to adverse weather conditions expected to be caused by Hurricane Milton, a state of emergency has been declared in Florida.
“Unfortunately this has impacted our flying schedule, and services to and from Orlando and Tampa are subject to cancellations and delays.
“We will explore all options to support travel plans and all impacted customers will be contacted with their options.
“We’re working hard to rebook customers onto alternative flights however due to limited availability, new flights will depart on a different date, may involve travel via a connecting airport or depart/arrive at an alternative airport.”
Tui has been forced to cancel one flight to Orlando and is reviewing others.
Millions of people have been ordered to evacuate ahead of the category five storm making landfall on the west coast of the state.
Milton, with winds of up to 165 mph, is expected to be the most powerful to hit the area in a century causing major disruption to airlines, resorts, theme parks and cruise itineraries.
A Tui flight today (Wednesday) from Gatwick to Orlando’s Melbourne airport has been cancelled while departures on Thursday from Birmingham and Glasgow are in doubt with the operator “closely monitoring the situation”.
Orlando Melbourne airport confirmed that it will close from 2pm local time today until 9am on Friday due to Hurricane Milton.
Orlando International airport operations will cease from 8am local time today.
Tampa International closed on Tuesday and will remain so until it can assess any damage after the storm.
The airport said: “Travellers are urged to heed emergency management advisories and pay close attention to public safety alerts.
“Currently, Milton is forecast to bring potentially catastrophic storm surge, high winds and heavy rain to Tampa Bay and all of Florida’s Gulf Coast.”
Tui said: “The safety of our customers is our top priority, and we are closely monitoring the path of Hurricane Milton which is forecast to be a storm of significant strength and pass over Florida from Wednesday.
“As a result Melbourne International airport is expected to be extremely disrupted, as will our flying programme.”
Referring to holidaymakers in Florida, Tui added: “Tropical storms and hurricanes are not uncommon in the area and our hotels and resort teams are experienced in preparing for them.
“If you’re in destination already, for your safety and wellbeing please follow any instructions given by your hotel management and resort teams.