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 there was an increasing risk of a life-threatening storm surge on the west coast, and heavy rainfall and high winds are expected to impact large parts of Florida. Orlando International Airport announced it would halt commercial passenger operations at 8 am on Wednesday. The airport added that commercial flights would resume based on damage assessment.
Tui mentioned it anticipated its flying program to be significantly disrupted, with Melbourne Orlando International Airport closing to commercial flights at 2 pm on Wednesday and reopening at 9 am on Friday. The travel company also confirmed the cancellation of a flight from Gatwick to Melbourne Orlando on Wednesday and stated they were in direct contact with affected customers to discuss their options.
Virgin Atlantic reported the cancellation of multiple flights due to the expected adverse weather conditions caused by Hurricane Milton, with a state of emergency declared in Florida. The airline canceled flights between Heathrow and Tampa on Tuesday and further cancellations on Wednesday and Thursday, affecting travelers from various locations. Two flights from Edinburgh to Orlando were delayed by 23 hours each.
The FCDO advised travelers to monitor approaching storms on the US National Hurricane Centre website and to follow instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders. Travelers were urged to stay informed about possible disruptions to flights or airport services by checking with their airline or travel agent. An FCDO spokesperson emphasised the importance of British nationals in Florida or traveling to the region following travel advice and guidance from local authorities amidst the approaching Hurricane Milton.