Flights from the UK to Florida, USA, have been cancelled as Hurricane Milton poses a threat of devastation in the region. The hurricane is forecasted to hit the west coast of Florida on Wednesday night or Thursday morning, with tropical force winds expected to impact the area from Wednesday morning. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued warnings of a potential life-threatening storm surge on the west coast, along with heavy rainfall and high winds affecting large parts of Florida.
Virgin Atlantic has taken preemptive measures by cancelling several flights due to the anticipated adverse weather conditions from Hurricane Milton. The airline scrapped two flights between Heathrow and Tampa on Tuesday, and a further nine flights on Wednesday, including those between Manchester and Orlando. An additional 10 flights scheduled for Thursday, involving Heathrow, Manchester, Orlando, and Tampa, have also been cancelled.
Tui has advised its customers to expect significant disruptions as Hurricane Milton leads to airport closures. Melbourne Orlando International Airport is set to halt all commercial flights from Wednesday afternoon until Friday morning. The travel company had to cancel a Gatwick to Melbourne Orlando flight scheduled for Wednesday and is contacting affected customers to discuss their options.
For those travelling to the affected regions, the FCDO has provided guidance to stay informed through the US National Hurricane Centre website and to adhere to local authority directives, such as evacuation orders. Travellers are urged to keep in touch with their airlines or travel agents for updates on potential disruptions. An FCDO representative emphasised the importance of following travel advice and local authorities’ instructions for safety.
In response to the impending hurricane, a state of emergency has been declared in Florida. Orlando International Airport announced the suspension of commercial passenger operations on Wednesday morning, with plans to resume services once damage assessments have been completed. The safety and well-being of customers and crew remain top priorities for airlines like Virgin Atlantic, as they work to alleviate the impact of Hurricane Milton on travel schedules and passenger experiences.