AS STORM Goretti sweeps across the UK, many airports have been forced to delay or cancel flights.
The storm is currently battering the UK, with thousands of Brits experiencing power cuts, travel disruption and school closures.
Some winds are measuring up to 99mph and a rare red alert has been issued by the Met Office.
As for airports across the UK, more than 25 flights have been cancelled, meaning thousands are being affected.
Heathrow Airport is currently experiencing lots of delays and some cancellations, including to British Airways flights.
Flights cancelled from London Heathrow include:
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- 9:20am British Airways to Billund
- 9:45am Eurowings to Cologne
- 9:50am Aer Lingus to Dublin
- 10:20am Scandinavian to Copenhagen
- 11:05am Brussels Airlines to Brussels
- 11:25am British Airways to Berlin
- 11:25pm Iberia to Madrid
- 11:30am Lufthansa to Frankfurt
- 12:00pm United Airlines to New York City
- 12:00pm Air Canada to Ottawa
- 12:35pm American Airlines to Chicago
- 2:25pm British Airways to Frankfurt
- 2:25pm British Airways to Munich
- 3:20pm British Airways to Hamburg
- 5:10pm Swiss Air to Zurich
- 6:30pm Lufthansa to Frankfurt
Birmingham Airport was forced to suspend flights on the evening of January 8 due to snow but reduced runway operations have since resumed.
In a statement the airport said: “The safety of our colleagues and customers is our number one priority.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Passengers due to travel should contact their airline regarding the status of flights.”
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Flights cancelled from Birmingham Airport include:
- 8:15am Aer Lingus to Dublin
- 8:25am easyJet to Edinburgh
- 8:35am easyJet to Glasgow
- 9:45am easyJet to Edinburgh
- 10:25am Air France to Paris
East Midlands Airport was also forced to close its runway in the early hours of this morning.
Flights have since resumed though the airport has warned of some delays.
Southampton Airport is telling passengers: “With a weather warning still in place today (Friday, 9th January), we advise passengers to check the status of the flight before travelling to the airport.”
Flights cancelled from Southampton Airport include:
- 6:50am Loganair to Newcastle
- 8:40am Loganair to Edinburgh
Aberdeen Airport has issued the same warning.
Flights cancelled from Aberdeen Airport include:
- 9:00am British Airways to London Heathrow
- 9:00am KLM to Amsterdam
- 10:35am Loganair to Kirkwall
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
In other flight news, UK gets new flight route to world’s best airport – under 4 hours from the UK.
Plus, major airport forced to cancel another 700 flights with trains axed and passengers stranded.
