Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and TUI cancel flights after state of emergency declared in US hotspot
AIRLINES have cancelled flights to Florida after a state of emergency was declared in the US hotspot.
Hurricane Milton, a category 4 hurricane, is expected to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday (October 11, 2024).
More than a million people have been ordered to evacuate from its path, with a further six million put under hurricane watch warning.
It will be the worst storm to impact the Tampa area in more than 100 years if it stays on the current track, according to the National Weather Service.
Given the stark warnings, airports across Florida will close to customers, affecting flights from the UK.
Tampa International Airport will be closed from 9am on Tuesday, October 8, (today), with Orlando International Airport expected to close at 8am on October 9 (tomorrow).
Melbourne Orlando International Airport will close to passengers at 2pm on October 9 (tomorrow).
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, which serves the Tampa Bay area, will also cancel flights on Wednesday and Thursday.
Holidaymakers are being encouraged to check with their airline to see if their flights have been impacted by Hurricane Milton.
Given the adverse weather conditions airlines like Virgin Atlantic, TUI and British Airways have cancelled upcoming flights from the UK to Florida, with multiple airports affected.
In a statement on its website, Virgin Atlantic told customers: “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 Virgin Atlantic’s flying schedule, and services to and from Orlando and Tampa are subject to cancellations and delays.”
Virgin Atlantic have cancelled the following flights from the UK:
Tuesday 08 October 2024
- VS129 – London Heathrow to Tampa
- VS130 – Tampa to London Heathrow
Wednesday 09 October 2024
- VS129 – London Heathrow to 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 to Orlando has been delayed by 23 hours and is expected to operate on October 10
Thursday 10 October 2024
- VS091 – London Heathrow to Orlando
A Virgin Atlantic Spokesperson added: “The safety and comfort of our customers and crew is our top priority and we are contacting any Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Holiday customers who may be impacted by the hurricane to discuss their options.
“We ask that anyone travelling checks the status of their flights on virginatlantic.com for the latest information. We’d like to thank our customers for their patience as we work through the impact of Hurricane Milton.”
The airline is contacting impacted customers to discuss their options and to rebook customers onto alternative flights.
Tour operator TUI has also had to cancel flights to Florida, with three flights impacted by Hurricane Milton.
A statement on the TUI website reads: “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.
“Due to the closure of Melbourne International Airport on Wednesday and Thursday, and the adverse weather conditions expected to be caused by Hurricane Milton, we have made the difficult decision to cancel flights.”
Wednesday 09 October 2024
- TOM070 from London Gatwick Airport
Thursday 10 October 2024
- TOM742 from Glasgow Airport
- TOM 664 from Birmingham Airport
Sun Online Travel have contacted TUI for comment.
A number of British Airways flights have also been cancelled because of the category 4 hurricane, with the following flights impacted:
Tuesday 08 October 2024
- BA 2167 from London Gatwick to Tampa
Wednesday 09 October 2024
- BA 2167 from London Gatwick to Tampa
- BA 2037 from London Gatwick to Orlando
- BA 2039 from London Gatwick to Orlando
A spokesperson from British Airways said: “Safety is always our highest priority, and we continue to monitor the situation closely.
“As with other airlines, we are adjusting our flight schedules where airport closures occur and providing any affected customers with alternatives including flight rebooking options or full refunds.”
Other airlines like Finnair, Delta and American Airlines, which also fly direct from the UK to Florida, will see their flights cancelled.
Holidaymakers are being urged to contact their booked airlines for further details.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch 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 can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for 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 cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Meanwhile, booking certain flights can help passengers avoid travel problems.
And this airline worker showed how to avoid cancellation problems.