LONDON, October 25, 2026 — Storm Boelo has thrown UK travel into disruption, with flights cancelled at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, railway services suspended and thousands of homes losing electricity as powerful winds batter northern Britain.
More than 100 flight cancellations have been reported nationwide, although an official consolidated total remains unconfirmed. Airlines are adjusting schedules as severe weather affects aircraft movements, leaving passengers facing delays and uncertainty over Sunday departures and Monday connections.
The storm follows Storm Austen, which struck southern Britain on Friday, bringing another difficult weekend for travellers.
Heathrow and Gatwick Flights Cancelled Today
British Airways, easyJet and other European carriers have been affected by the disruption. The following Sunday services were listed as cancelled in published reports:
- British Airways BA1438: Heathrow to Edinburgh.
- British Airways BA304: Heathrow to Paris Charles de Gaulle.
- British Airways BA562: Heathrow to Rome.
- easyJet EJU8015: Gatwick to Amsterdam.
- easyJet EZU6427: Gatwick to Jersey.
- Lufthansa LH901: Reported Gatwick to Frankfurt service.
- Air France AF1681: Reported Gatwick to Paris service.
- Aer Lingus: Reported Gatwick to Dublin cancellation.
- Vueling VY7821: Reported Gatwick to Barcelona service.
Some reported flight numbers and routes require airline confirmation. The list is not a live airport departure board.
The disruption follows other recent aviation incidents, including an easyJet flight emergency at Gatwick Airport, although that incident was unrelated to Storm Boelo.
More Gatwick Arrivals Cancelled as Delays Spread
Separate reporting identified eight cancelled Gatwick arrivals, including flights from Jersey, Glasgow, St Lucia, Belfast, the Isle of Man and Port Sudan via Istanbul.
Delayed departures included services to Nice, Glasgow, Tenerife South, Belfast and Dublin.
Strong winds can force air traffic controllers to increase spacing between aircraft, reducing airport capacity. Late incoming flights can then disrupt later departures, even where local weather conditions improve.
Similar knock-on disruption followed a ground stop at Toronto Pearson Airport, illustrating how interruptions to aircraft movements can affect connecting journeys.
Storm Boelo Brings 84mph Winds and Power Outages
The strongest recorded gusts reached 84mph in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, according to the Associated Press, while amber and yellow weather warnings covered large parts of northern Britain.
The storm has caused power outages affecting approximately 82,000 homes, alongside flooding, fallen trees and transport disruption.
The Met Office’s official Storm Boelo warning forecast widespread gusts of 60–70mph, potentially reaching 80mph in exposed coastal locations.
Dangerous coastal waves, flying debris and damaged infrastructure remain significant risks in affected areas.
Train Services Disrupted Across Scotland and England
Flooding, fallen trees and strong winds have disrupted railway operations, with speed restrictions and cancellations affecting several routes.
National Rail warned that disruption could continue through Monday, October 26. Avanti West Coast advised against travelling north of Preston, while LNER warned passengers not to travel between Edinburgh and Aberdeen on Sunday.
ScotRail, Northern, CrossCountry and TransPennine Express were among other affected operators.
London Diwali Festival Cancelled Over Safety Concerns
London’s annual Diwali on the Square celebration at Trafalgar Square was cancelled after safety advisers determined that severe weather made temporary staging preparations unsafe.
The cancellation affected visitors planning to attend Sunday’s public celebration. Other outdoor events and attractions also experienced closures.
Will Heathrow and Gatwick Flights Be Affected Monday?
Passengers travelling on October 26 could experience residual delays as airlines reposition aircraft and crews following Sunday’s disruption.
However, Monday cancellations have not been confirmed across all services. Travellers should check their airline’s latest flight status before leaving home.
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Flight Refunds and Passenger Rights
Passengers whose flights are cancelled may be entitled to refunds or alternative transport under applicable UK passenger protection rules.
Airlines may also have to provide meals, accommodation and assistance where required. Severe weather generally qualifies as an extraordinary circumstance, meaning fixed cash compensation may not apply.
Passengers should retain booking confirmations, airline notifications and receipts for reasonable expenses.
Travellers are advised to check flight status, confirm rail connections and allow additional time for airport journeys as transport operators work to restore normal services.
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