Express.co.uk is bringing you Storm Doris live updates, with the latest information on how flights are being affected at airports around the UK by the ‘weather bomb’.
Storm Doris is likely to damage buildings and send debris flying, the Met Office has said.
An 87mph gust was recorded at Mace Head on the Galway coast in the Republic of Ireland in the early hours as Doris made its way east.
The UK was being battered by gales in the early hours, with speeds of 72mph recorded at Aberdaron on the west coast of Wales.
Met Office meteorologist Mark Wilson said: “Winds are really starting to pick up now, mainly across western parts of the country.”
Aer Lingus cancelled 12 flights between the UK and the Republic of Ireland in anticipation of the winds and Heathrow Airport warned customers to check their flights before travelling.
Thursday February 23
10.10am update: A spokesperson from Birmingham Airport said: “We’ve had four cancellations so far – to Cork, Dublin, Munich and Amsterdam. They’ve been cancelled by airlines for operational reasons.”
9.45am update: A spokesperson from Manchester Airport said: “All our flights are operating as normal so far. However, we’ve had three cancellations from aircraft not in Manchester – one flight from the Isle of Man, one from Heathrow and one from Amsterdam.”
9.30am update: A spokesperson from Gatwick Airport has said: “There are no flight cancellations at all due to weather at the moment. We’re monitoring the situation but there’s been no word that we’ll need to cancel any flights. The situation could change as ever – but it’s currently looking good from our perspective.”
9.15am update: Heathrow said in a statement: “Strong winds and poor weather across the UK have resulted in approximately a 10 per cent reduction to Heathrow’s flight schedule. With Heathrow operating at more than 99 per cent capacity, there are no gaps in the schedule that can be used for delayed flights and as a result, some passengers may experience disruption to their journeys today.
“Passengers should check their flight status with their airline before coming to the airport. As always, Heathrow’s top priority is the safety of passengers and we apologise to those whose travel has been affected.”
9am update: A Stansted spokesperson has said: “There have been no cancellations at the moment – all flights are operating as normal.
“We have the weather warnings in place and will be monitoring the situation throughout the day, ensuring everything is safe and secure.”
8.45am update: A London Luton Airport spokesperson has said: “There’s nothing to report at the moment. All flights are operating as normal. As the day progresses we’ll have to see what impact it has.
“Where planes are late arriving later in the day, airports might get a build up of delays. But we’ll have to wait and see.”
