ALL flights to Florida from the UK have been cancelled after the majority of airports confirmed they would be ceasing operations this morning.
A state of emergency has been declared ahead of category 5 Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall today.
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The storm is set to be one of the worst in 100 years, President Joe Biden warned, to hit the Tampa area, with more than six million people warned to evacuate.
Disney World has closed its park until at least tomorrow, along with Universal Orlando.
And airlines including TUI, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have been forced to cancel more flights.
Most airports in the state have already closed.
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Orlando Airport have stopped all operations, effective from 8am today.
The airport is yet to confirm when they will reopen.
Tampa Airport said on social media: “We will suspend flight operations at 9 a.m. Tuesday and reopen when safe to do so.”
Melbourne Orlando Airport, which TUI currently flies to, has also closed.
They said in a statement: “MLB will close to commercial flight operations at 2PM on Wednesday and will reopen at 9AM on Friday.”
This has resulted in a number of cancellations from UK airlines.
This includes the following Virgin Atlantic flights:
Wednesday 9 October
- 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
- VS091 – London Heathrow to Orlando
- VS129 – London Heathrow to 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 by a further 23 hours and will now operate on Friday 11 October.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson asked passengers to “check the status of their flights” before travelling.
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British Airways has cancelled the following flights.
Wednesday 9 October
- BA 2167 from London Gatwick to Tampa
- BA 2037 from London Gatwick to Orlando
- BA 2039 from London Gatwick to Orlando
Thursday 10 October
- BA 2167 from London Gatwick to Tampa
- BA 2037 from London Gatwick to Orlando
- BA 2039 from London Gatwick to Orlando
A British Airways spokesperson said they were “adjusting flight schedules” and offering flight rebooking options or full refunds.
TUI has already cancelled a flight today, with more being ‘watched’ although are also likely to be cancelled, including:
A spokesperson said they were contacting customers directly who are affected.
Wednesday 9 October
- TOM070 from London Gatwick Airport
Thursday 10 October
- TOM742 from Glasgow Airport
- TOM 664 from Birmingham Airport
Other airlines that operate flights from the UK to Florida include American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Norse Airways and Finnair, who have also cancelled flights.
Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall just south of the city on Wednesday night.
Storm surges of 15ft are expected, with winds up to 165mph.
The storm was upgraded back to a Category 5 hurricane on Tuesday, hours after being downgraded to a Category 4 earlier in the day.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said: “It will be an extremely dangerous hurricane when it reaches shore”.
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.