As Storm Austen continues to rage on today, airports and airlines across the UK scramble to respond as flights get disrupted and travellers grow more concerned. The severe weather (the first named storm of the 2026/27 season) has already caused travel mayhem both in the skies, on the roads and in homes.
Effects on Travel
Today and tomorrow, those flying from any airport in the UK and Ireland are advised to ensure their flights have not been cancelled or disrupted as the ongoing Storm Austen has massively effect the south of England, and will continue to be affected by strong weather as Storm Boelo is forecasted tomorrow.
Upon the Met Office announcing a yellow storm warning for much of the south-east of England, many airports have successfully attempted to keep as many flight services running as possible. Though no airport-wide closures have been announced, heavy rain and gusts of wind ranging from 50mph to 80mph across the UK, and its nearing Channel Islands, supposedly threaten travel plans for the next 48 hours.
Airline Loganair has cancelled a number of flights, services between Southampton, Jersey, Bristol and Exeter being among those effected, while London City Airport is reportedly preparing it’s exposed runway for the high possibility of delays. Flights across the south-west of England are experiencing disruptions as some flights from Exeter Airport (two pictured below) have been cancelled.
On Facebook this morning, Guernsey Airport reported some damage overnight due to high winds as, the Guernsey based Aurigny airlines have cancelled flights to and from Somerset for today and tomorrow with gusts of wind predicted to reach 65mph:
“The terminal suffered some damage overnight due to the high winds. Teams from Guernsey Ports carried out initial inspections this morning to assess the extent of the damage. Full internal and external safety checks will be carried out before the building is reopened to the public. “
In a statement at around mid-day, the Guernsey Airport’s director Richard Thomasson shared:
“We’re just doing final checks for the terminal now and we hope to have that open at 2 p.m., we’re taking every precaution possible but we are very conscious that we want to get open, allow flight to operate to get passengers moving and if we have to stay open later this evening than our published opening times then we are very keen to do that.”
This morning, Bristol Airport shared a statement warning travellers on Facebook:
“With Storm Austen causing disruption across the UK today, passengers travelling to and from Bristol Airport are advised to: Check your flight status before travelling. Monitor airline updates. Allow extra time for your journey and drive safely.”
As a reminder to travellers, make sure you look over refund and returns policies for cancelled or disrupted flights, as there are occasions where a cancellation caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather, may cause individuals to not be entitled financial compensation.
Storm Austen and Storm Boelo
According to National Grid Electricity Distribution, this morning before 10:30 a.m. more than 18,000 homes were without power in the south-west of England. In Brighton, 20 schools reported to be closed for the day with 50 opening later into the afternoon.
Forecasters have now issued an amber warning for wind in place for 24 hours from 9 p.m. on Saturday covering Scotland, the north coast of Northern Ireland, and Cumbria and Northumberland in the north of England.
As you can imagine, train services all across England have been very heavily impacted by the severe weather, reports ranging from copious trees falling onto tracks to lighting strikes causing cancellations in the south-west of the country. National Rail and Great Western Railway have both warned travellers on the cancellation and delay of many services both today and this weekend, Transport for Scotland going as far as to advise those traveling to only do so if completely necessary.
Has the weather affected your travel plans? Let us know in the comments!
