TUI has been forced to cancel flights from the UK to Florid(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)

TUI cancels flights to Florida and issues warning to holidaymakers as Hurricane Milton set to hit

The airline has been forced to cancel a number of flights from the UK to Florida due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Milton

by · NottinghamshireLive

TUI has been forced to cancel several flights from the UK to Florida due to the impending Hurricane Milton. The Category 5 storm is expected to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday.

The cancellations come as a result of Melbourne International Airport's closure on Wednesday, October 9 and Thursday, October 10, with TUI stating that "The safety of our customers is our top priority, and we are closely monitoring the path of Hurricane Milton which is forecast to be a storm of significant strength and pass over Florida from Wednesday. As a result Melbourne International Airport is expected to be extremely disrupted, as will our flying programme."

Melbourne Orlando International Airport announced it would halt commercial flight operations from 2pm local time on Wednesday until 9am on Friday, advising passengers to seek further information from their airlines, reports the Manchester Evening News.

In a statement on its website, TUI said: "The safety of our customers is our top priority, and we are closely monitoring the path of Hurricane Milton which is forecast to be a storm of significant strength and pass over Florida from Wednesday. As a result Melbourne International Airport is expected to be extremely disrupted, as will our flying programme."

"Due to the closure of Melbourne International Airport on Wednesday and Thursday, and the adverse weather conditions expected to be caused by Hurricane Milton, we have made the difficult decision to not operate the following flights:

  • 09/10/24 – TOM070 from London Gatwick Airport
  • 10/10/24 – TOM742 from Glasgow Airport
  • 10/10/24 – TOM 664 from Birmingham Airport

"We will continue to closely monitor the situation and will contact customers directly with any updates."

There are traffic jams in Florida as thousands evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton(Image: Getty Images)

For those already in Florida, TUI reassured: "Tropical storms and hurricanes are not uncommon in the area and our hotels and resort teams are experienced in preparing for them."

"If you're at your destination already, for your safety and wellbeing please follow any instructions given by your hotel management and resort teams. If you need any additional support, you can contact us via the TUI app, our TUI Guest Experience Centre on +44 2038303111 or speak to your local representative."

Despite expectations of weakening over the Gulf of Mexico, Hurricane Milton may still reach the coast with hurricane-strength. Coastal residents have been told to evacuate, and meteorologists are cautioning about potential storm surges reaching heights of up to 12 feet.