Major disruption at Heathrow airport due to storm

The storm that's currently passing over Europe is tormenting Heathrow: many flights have been cancelled and delayed. So far, Heathrow is the airport that has been most heavily affected, though transportation to and from many of the other UK airports is also limited.  

Severe weather

Europe is experiencing a heavy storm -  the heaviest, in fact, that the UK has experienced since 1987. Heavy winds and gale-force rain, with gusts of up to 130 km/h have taken several lives across Europe already, with some more having gone missing. The Great Storm of 1987 occurred on the night of 15–16 October, with winds of up to 216 km/h. That storm cost 18 people their lives in the UK, and cost the insurance industry 2 billion pounds, making it the second most expensive UK weather event on record.

Flights cancelled and delayed

Many flights have been cancelled as a precaution, both in the UK and in the rest of Europe. Heathrow, which is the largest airport in Europe, is exected to experience major disruption as a result of the storm. The Telegraph today writes that "the airport, which operates an average of 1,200 flights daily, will cut 20% of flights between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m., 10% between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and around 5% for the rest of the day." Nearly 130 flights had been cancelled at Heathrow as of 11:20.

What to do in case of a delay or cancellation

Passengers were warned that no trains would run to Gatwick, Southend, Stansted or Luton airports before 09:00 GMT. Airlines are also advising passengers scheduled to fly today to check with the airport and the airline's website for possible flight changes. If your flight is cancelled or delayed as a result of the storm, you're unfortunately not entitled to receive compensation. The airline should, however, offer you care if you end up becoming stranded at the airport.

Written by: Team Flight-Delayed.co.uk