(Commonwealth_ UK) As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, Virgin Atlantic has announced the cancellation of several flights to and from Orlando and Tampa, impacting travel to Heathrow and Manchester today and tomorrow. An Edinburgh to Orlando service has been delayed by a significant 23 hours as the hurricane intensifies. Virgin Atlantic stated, “Due to the adverse weather conditions expected from Hurricane Milton, a state of emergency has been declared in Florida. This situation has affected our flight schedule, resulting in cancellations and delays for services to and from Orlando and Tampa.”
The airline is actively working to assist affected customers, exploring all options to support their travel plans. Those impacted will receive updates regarding their options, but with limited availability, rebooked flights may require traveling on different dates or through alternative airports. Tui has also canceled one flight to Orlando and is assessing the situation for others. Millions of residents have been ordered to evacuate as the storm, classified as a category five, threatens to make landfall on Florida’s west coast.
With winds reaching up to 165 mph, Hurricane Milton is projected to be the most powerful storm to strike the region in a century, causing widespread disruption to airlines, resorts, theme parks, and cruise itineraries. Orlando Melbourne Airport will be closed from 2 PM local time today until 9 AM on Friday, while Orlando International Airport operations will cease from 8 AM today. Tampa International Airport, which closed on Tuesday, will remain shut until it can assess potential damage.
Travelers are urged to follow emergency management advisories and stay informed through public safety alerts. The National Weather Service warns of potentially catastrophic storm surges, high winds, and heavy rainfall impacting Tampa Bay and Florida’s Gulf Coast. Tui emphasized that customer safety remains their top priority, stating, “We are closely monitoring Hurricane Milton, which is expected to bring significant disruption. Our teams at hotels and resorts in the area are experienced in handling tropical storms and hurricanes. For guests currently in Florida, we advise following any guidance provided by hotel management and resort teams.”
