The arrival of Storm Eowyn has brought widespread disruption to air travel across the United Kingdom.
Powerful winds, gusting up to 100mph, and heavy rain associated with the storm have forced airlines to cancel hundreds of flights, leaving passengers facing significant travel delays.
The Met Office issued red wind warnings for Scotland and Northern Ireland, indicating a high risk of danger due to “exceptional” hurricane-force winds.
These strong winds have caused widespread disruption, impacting transportation, power grids, and essential services.
Airports Face Operational Challenges
Several major airports have been significantly impacted by the storm. Dublin Airport, while remaining open, has seen the cancellation of numerous flights.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport has also experienced flight cancellations, particularly for routes crossing the Irish Sea, where the weather conditions are most severe.
Birmingham Airport anticipates continued operations but advises passengers to check with their airlines for the latest flight updates. Jet2 and Ryanair have already announced flight disruptions due to the storm.
Glasgow Airport has been particularly hard hit, with numerous flight cancellations by major airlines such as British Airways, Loganair, easyJet, and Aer Lingus.
Edinburgh Airport and Belfast Airport have advised that flight operationss will be ‘limited’ amid the weather warning.
British Airways has so far cancelled around 100 domestic flights and Irish link services on both Thursday and Friday.
Safety Measures and Passenger Guidance
To ensure the safety of passengers and ground staff, many airports have now implemented operational restrictions. These measures may vary from airport to airport and can include ground holds, delays in baggage handling, and limitations on aircraft movements.
Passengers are strongly advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight status and any potential travel disruptions.
Airlines are proactively offering passengers alternative travel arrangements, including rebooking options and refunds, to minimize inconvenience.
The rapidly evolving weather conditions have led to frequent changes in flight schedules. It is crucial to stay informed about the latest travel advisories. Passengers are encouraged to remain patient and understanding as airlines navigate the challenges posed by Storm Eowyn.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has released guidance on passenger rights when disrupted by storms:
Passengers scheduled to fly into or out of Irish airports during Storm Éowyn may experience some disruption. The IAA is reminding passengers to check status of flights directly with their airlines. Information on passenger rights can be found at this link.
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