Sunday, November 24, 2024
Storm Bert has caused over 206 flight cancellations and 375 delays at London Heathrow Airport, with airlines including United, Saudia, Eurowings, TAP Portugal, SAS, Swiss Airlines, and others severely impacted. At London City Airport, at least 15 flights have been cancelled, while Gatwick Airport has reported minor delays due to the adverse weather. This massive disruption is attributed to gusts of up to 70mph and heavy rainfall, leaving passengers stranded and travel plans in disarray.
Storm Bert has unleashed widespread travel disruption across the UK, grounding flights and stranding thousands of passengers on Sunday, November 24. With winds exceeding 70mph and torrential rain, airports and transport networks have faced severe challenges, leaving travelers struggling to reach their destinations.
Hundreds of Flights Cancelled and Delayed
At Heathrow Airport, a staggering 206 flights have been cancelled, with an additional 375 delayed, causing chaos for passengers. London City Airport has seen at least 15 flights cancelled, while Gatwick Airport has experienced delays as stormy conditions grip the nation.
The adverse weather has forced cancellations and delays for numerous airlines, including British Airways, Aer Lingus, China Southern, Eurowings, Turkish Airlines, Swiss International, Iberia, SAS Airlines, Loganair, Air France, Finnair, Lufthansa, KLM, Saudia, United Airlines, TAP Portugal, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Tunisair, and EgyptAir. Passengers across all three airports have been left frustrated and stranded, with no clear indication of when operations will normalize.
Dangerous Weather Creates Chaos
Storm Bert has brought more than 80 percent of November’s average rainfall in less than 48 hours, with Wales’ Tyn-Y-Waun recording 149mm of rain since Saturday morning. Winds of up to 70mph, combined with crosswinds of 40mph, have made flying conditions unsafe, forcing airlines to cancel services and prioritize passenger safety.
The Met Office issued its fourth wind warning for central and eastern England on Sunday morning, with the alert lasting until 9pm. This warning highlights the severity of the storm and the potential for continued disruption across the region.
Disruption Beyond Airports
Travel chaos has not been limited to air travel. Rail services have faced severe delays due to fallen trees blocking tracks, while flooding has created hazardous conditions on the roads. Passengers attempting to switch to alternative modes of transport have encountered significant delays and cancellations, adding to the frustration of an already challenging travel day.
Advice for Passengers
Passengers are strongly advised to check the latest updates with their airline or airport before heading out. Heathrow, Gatwick, and London City airports are updating their flight trackers in real time, and passengers should monitor these platforms for changes. Rail travelers should also check for service updates, as fallen trees and debris continue to cause significant delays across key routes.
The Bigger Picture
Storm Bert’s impact has highlighted the vulnerability of travel networks to extreme weather. With no immediate relief in sight, travelers are urged to remain patient and prepared for further delays. For those stranded at airports or transport hubs, prioritizing safety and staying informed through reliable sources will be essential in navigating the chaos.
The storm serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of weather and the need for flexibility in travel plans, especially during the winter season. With hundreds of flights cancelled and significant delays across the country, Storm Bert is proving to be a formidable challenge for passengers and travel operators alike.
Tags: Eurowings, london heathrow airport, SAS Airlines, Saudia Airlines, Swiss Airlines, TAP Portugal, travel alert, travel industry, Travel News, UK, United Airlines
