ALL flights to Florida from the UK have been canceled after most airports confirmed they would cease operations this morning.
A state of emergency has been declared ahead of Category 5 Hurricane Milton, which will make landfall today.
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All flights to Florida have been canceled due to Hurricane Milton (photo)Credit: Getty
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Hurricane Milton will make landfall later this evening
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Most airports were forced to close Credit: AFP
The storm is set to be one of the worst in 100 years, President Joe Biden has warned, to hit the Tampa area, and more than six million people have been warned to evacuate.
Disney World has closed its park until at least tomorrow, along with Universal Orlando.
Airlines including TUI, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic were forced to cancel multiple flights.
Most of the country’s airports are already closed.
Read more about Hurricane Milton
Orlando Airport has suspended all operations as of 8 a.m. today.
The airport is yet to confirm when it will reopen.
Tampa Airport posted on social media: “We will suspend flights at 9 a.m. Tuesday and reopen when it is safe to do so.”
Melbourne Orlando Airport, which TUI currently flies to, is also closed.
In a statement, they said: “MLB will close commercial flights on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. and will reopen at 9:00 a.m. on Friday.”
Hurricane Milton strengthens to Category 5 as residents are told to evacuate for fear of storm surge
This resulted in numerous flight cancellations by British airlines.
This includes the following Virgin Atlantic flights:
Wednesday, October 9
- VS129 – London Heathrow – Tampa
- VS130 – Tampa to London Heathrow
- VS074 – Orlando to Manchester
- VS075 – Manchester to Orlando
- VS076 – Orlando to Manchester
- VS091 – London Heathrow to Orlando
- VS092 – Orlando to London Heathrow
- VS135 – London Heathrow to Orlando
- VS136 – Orlando to London Heathrow
- VS225 – Edinburgh – Orlando is 23 hours late and expected to fly on 10 October
Thursday, October 10
- VS091 – London Heathrow to Orlando
- VS129 – London Heathrow – Tampa
- VS130 – Tampa to London Heathrow
- VS073 – Manchester to Orlando
- VS074 – Orlando to Manchester
- VS075 – Manchester to Orlando
- VS076 – Orlando to Manchester
- VS091 – London Heathrow to Orlando
- VS092 – Orlando to London Heathrow
- VS135 – London Heathrow to Orlando
- VS136 – Orlando to London Heathrow
- VS225 – Edinburgh – Orlando has been delayed for a further 23 hours and will now operate on Friday 11 October.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesman asked passengers to “check the status of their flights” before travelling.
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Disney World is closing until at least tomorrow Credit: Reuters
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British Airways, Virgin and TUI are affected Credit: Getty
British Airways has canceled the following flights.
Wednesday, October 9
- BA 2167 from London Gatwick to Tampa
- BA 2037 from London Gatwick to Orlando
- BA 2039 from London Gatwick to Orlando
Thursday, October 10
- BA 2167 from London Gatwick to Tampa
- BA 2037 from London Gatwick to Orlando
- BA 2039 from London Gatwick to Orlando
A British Airways spokesman said they were “adjusting flight schedules” and offering options to rebook the flight or get a full refund.
TUI has already canceled a flight today and more are being ‘looked at’ although they are also likely to be cancelled, including:
A spokesperson said they are contacting affected customers directly.
Wednesday, October 9
- TOM070 from London Gatwick Airport
Thursday, October 10
- TOM742 from Glasgow Airport
- TOM 664 from Birmingham Airport
Other airlines flying from the UK to Florida include American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Norse Airways and Finnair, which have also canceled flights.
Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall south of the city Wednesday night.
Storm gusts of 15ft are expected, with winds up to 265mph.
The storm was re-upgraded to a Category 5 on Tuesday, hours after it was downgraded to a Category 4 earlier in the day.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said, “It will be an extremely dangerous hurricane when it makes landfall.”
Flight compensation rules
An overview of your rights if your flight is delayed or cancelled, when you are entitled to compensation and whether your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is canceled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines must provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you are flying to or from the UK, your airline must allow you to choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get a refund for the portion of the ticket that you have not yet used.
So if you have booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get a refund of the full cost of the return ticket.
But if the trip is essential, then your airline must find you an alternative flight. It could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline does not have to refund you if the flight is canceled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, strikes by air traffic control employees or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ do not qualify for compensation.
Some airlines may extend the definition of “extraordinary circumstances”, but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you cannot claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may reimburse you.
Policies vary so you should check the fine print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours usually means you are entitled to some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is completely cancelled, it is unlikely that you will be covered by insurance.
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Source: HIS Education