Flights between the UK and Florida have been cancelled as the US braces for Hurricane Milton. Milton is expected to make landfall on the west coast of Florida on Wednesday night or Thursday morning, with tropical force winds affecting the west coast from Wednesday morning.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated that there was an increasing risk of a life-threatening storm surge on the west coast, with heavy rainfall and high winds expected to impact large parts of Florida. Orlando International Airport announced that it would cease commercial passenger operations at 8 am on Wednesday, aiming to resume as soon as possible pending damage assessment.
Tui anticipates significant disruptions to its flying programme, with Melbourne Orlando International Airport closing to commercial flights at 2 pm on Wednesday and reopening at 9 am on Friday. The travel company has already cancelled a flight from Gatwick to Melbourne Orlando and is directly contacting affected customers to discuss their options.
Virgin Atlantic has also taken precautions, cancelling multiple flights due to the adverse weather conditions expected from Hurricane Milton, as a state of emergency is declared in Florida. This has resulted in flight cancellations from various UK airports such as Heathrow and Manchester to destinations like Tampa and Orlando. Several flights have been delayed, with two Edinburgh to Orlando flights experiencing a 23-hour delay.
An FCDO spokesperson emphasized the importance of monitoring approaching storms on the US National Hurricane Centre website and following instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders. Travellers are advised to stay informed about possible flight disruptions or airport service changes by checking with airlines or travel agents.
In light of the impending hurricane, the FCDO urges British nationals in Florida or travelling to the region to adhere to travel advice and guidance from local authorities. The safety and comfort of passengers and crew remain a top priority for airlines like Virgin Atlantic, which are proactively reaching out to affected customers to provide assistance and discuss their options during this challenging time.