Storm Amy, the first named storm of the 2025/26 season, is bringing widespread disruption to air travel across the UK, with strong winds and heavy rain forcing cancellations, diversions and delays at several major airports.
Flights Cancelled and Diverted
Passengers have been left stranded or facing long waits as airlines struggle to cope with the severe weather.
- Edinburgh Airport has seen multiple flights diverted after aircraft were unable to land safely in turbulent crosswinds. One Ryanair service from Pisa to Prestwick declared an emergency after several failed landing attempts, eventually diverting to Manchester instead.
- Belfast City Airport confirmed a series of cancellations as conditions worsened across Northern Ireland.
- Disruption has also hit Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton, where airlines including British Airways, Aer Lingus, Ryanair and American Airlines have cancelled flights.
- A flight from London Luton to Aberdeen was forced to abandon its journey mid-air due to rapidly deteriorating conditions.
The knock-on effect of cancellations is being felt across the network, with many passengers rebooked onto later flights or offered refunds.
Why Storm Amy Is Disrupting Travel
The Met Office has issued amber and yellow warnings for wind and rain across large parts of the UK, including Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Gusts of 70–80mph are forecast in exposed coastal and upland areas, making flying conditions dangerous.
Heavy rain and low visibility are also contributing to operational challenges, with some airports warning of further disruption over the weekend as the storm continues to track eastwards.
Travel Advice for Passengers
Airports and airlines are urging travellers to:
- Check flight status before travelling to the airport.
- Expect delays or diversions, even if flights are still scheduled.
- Allow extra time for onward travel in case of disruption.
- Be prepared for rebooking, as airlines work through backlogs of passengers.
Storm Amy: A Severe Start to Storm Season
Storm Amy has been described as arriving “harder and quicker than expected”, raising concerns not just for aviation but also for road and rail networks. Power outages and flooding have also been reported across parts of Scotland and northern England.
As weather warnings remain in place, airlines continue to monitor conditions, with further cancellations likely if the storm intensifies.
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Sources:
- The Guardian – Storm Amy hits UK harder than expected
- The Independent – Storm Amy weather warnings and flight disruption
- Edinburgh News – Flights diverted in strong winds
- Travel and Tour World – Airlines cancel flights across UK and Ireland
- The Scottish Sun – Ryanair declares emergency after failed landings
