(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
TUI cancels flights to Florida from UK ahead of Hurricane Milton
by Liv Clarke · Manchester Evening NewsTUI has cancelled several flights from the UK to Florida in the coming days due to Hurricane Milton. The Category 5 storm is set to hit land on Wednesday in the Tampa Bay area.
The airline was forced to cancel the flights due to the closure of Melbourne International Airport on Wednesday, October 9 and Thursday, October 10. It said that the “safety of our customers is our top priority”.
Melbourne Orlando International Airport announced that it would close to commercial flight operations from 2pm local time on Wednesday until 9am on Friday. It urged passengers to check with their airlines for further information.
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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.
(Image: Getty Images)
“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.”
For customers already in Florida, TUI said: “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.”
Hurricane Milton has made its way across the Gulf of Mexico and although scientists expect it to weaken before making landfall, it could still be at hurricane-strength. Evacuation orders have already been issued for residents along the Gulf coast and forecasters warn of a possible storm surge of up to 12 feet in the region.