Home » Travel News Pick » Travel Chaos in UK Due to Storm Floris: Multiple Flight Delays with Several Possible Cancellations at Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester and Other Major Airports, Here Is The Latest Update

Sunday, August 3, 2025

Travel chaos has erupted across the UK due to the severe impact of Storm Floris, which has caused multiple flight delays and several possible cancellations at major airports, including Glasgow (GLA), Edinburgh (EDI), Newcastle (NCL), Manchester (MAN) and other key travel hubs. Winds of up to 85mph and heavy rainfall are severely affecting domestic and international flights, with more than 100 flights delayed. Key disruptions include flights from Glasgow to London Heathrow and Edinburgh to Barcelona being canceled due to the weather conditions. At Glasgow Airport, 16 flights have been delayed, while Edinburgh sees the highest number with 39 delays. Airlines like British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, and KLM are working to offer alternative flights and compensation to affected passengers.

Additionally, rail and road networks are facing disruptions, with significant delays expected on routes like the West Coast and East Coast Main Lines. Passengers are advised to stay updated on flight statuses, check in early, and monitor weather alerts as authorities work to manage the storm’s impact. Here is the latest update on the ongoing travel disruptions caused by Storm Floris.

Storm Floris

Storm Floris is anticipated to cause extreme weather across the affected regions. It will bring gusty winds and torrential rain, especially in coastal and elevated areas. The storm’s wind speeds are expected to reach up to 85mph, particularly in Scotland and parts of Northern England.

Wind Gusts and Rainfall

Winds are forecasted to be strong, with inland areas experiencing gusts of 40-50mph. However, coastal regions and higher ground could see stronger gusts reaching 60-70mph, with the most exposed areas possibly experiencing winds of up to 85mph. In addition to the high winds, heavy rainfall is expected, especially in northern areas of the UK, posing a risk of flash floods and hazardous conditions.

Coastal Warnings: Coastal areas are likely to face large waves and strong winds, especially along cliffs and exposed shorelines. Authorities have issued warnings for travelers in these regions to exercise caution.

Impact on Rail Travel

The rail network in Scotland and Northern England is expected to suffer from significant disruptions due to the storm’s strong winds and potential debris on the tracks. Passengers are advised to prepare for delays and cancellations, especially on key routes connecting major cities.

Routes Affected by the Storm: The West Coast Main Line, which runs from Glasgow to London, and the East Coast Main Line, which connects Edinburgh to London, are among the most likely to experience disruptions. Other routes between Newcastle, Middlesbrough, and Sunderland may also be affected.

Passenger Impact on Rail Networks: Approximately 300,000 passengers are expected to face delays or cancellations due to Storm Floris. Speed restrictions will likely be imposed on vulnerable routes to minimize the risk of accidents caused by fallen trees or debris. Severe winds could cause further cancellations, particularly in coastal and mountainous areas.

Airline Travel Disruptions

Airlines operating in the storm-affected regions are bracing for major disruptions, with high winds and difficult weather conditions leading to numerous delays and cancellations. Major airports, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Newcastle, are likely to be significantly impacted.

Total Flight Delays Today: At Glasgow Airport (GLA), 16 flights have already been delayed due to Storm Floris. Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is seeing the highest number of delays, with 39 flights delayed. At Newcastle (NCL), 5 flights are affected, and Manchester (MAN) is facing 58 flight delays.

Flight Cancellations and Delays: More than 100 flights are expected to face delays and possible cancellations. Affected routes include flights from Glasgow to London Heathrow (operated by British Airways and easyJet), which have been canceled due to high winds. Additionally, flights from Glasgow to Amsterdam (operated by KLM and Ryanair) have been delayed by up to 3 hours. Other flights, such as Edinburgh to Barcelona (operated by Vueling and Ryanair), have been canceled due to operational challenges posed by the weather.

Airlines, including British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, and KLM, have started offering alternative flights to passengers with canceled bookings. Passengers are encouraged to monitor their flight statuses and check in early.

Impact on Road Travel

The storm’s effects will extend to road travel, with high winds and heavy rain expected to cause hazardous conditions across Scotland and Northern England. Motorists are advised to be prepared for delays, particularly in coastal areas and regions prone to flooding.

Roads Likely to be Affected: Major roads like the M8 Motorway, connecting Glasgow and Edinburgh, may face disruptions due to debris and flooding. The A1(M) between Newcastle and Edinburgh will also experience delays, especially on bridges where winds and possible flooding could cause dangerous conditions. Coastal routes, including the A82 and A75 in Scotland, are also expected to be hazardous due to flooding and high winds.

Safety Measures for Road Users: Motorists are urged to secure outdoor items, such as garden furniture and trampolines, that could be blown away by the strong winds. People traveling in high-risk areas should avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. It is also advisable to check traffic updates regularly for potential road closures due to fallen trees or flooding.

Safety Measures and Response

In response to the storm, authorities are implementing safety measures across all forms of transportation to reduce risks to travelers and residents.

Rail Safety Measures: Network Rail has placed additional staff on standby to deal with any fallen trees or debris that may block tracks. Speed restrictions will be implemented to minimize accidents, particularly on vulnerable railway lines.

Airline Safety Measures: Airlines are advising passengers to check their flight status regularly and to arrive at the airport early. Alternative flights and travel vouchers are being offered for affected passengers. Passengers are encouraged to remain flexible and patient during this period of disruption.

Road Safety Measures: In coastal areas, authorities have warned people to stay away from cliffs and exposed regions due to the risk of large waves. It is also important for road users to remain vigilant for flooding and fallen debris while traveling.

Conclusion

As Storm Floris approaches the UK, travelers should remain alert to the severe weather conditions and potential disruptions to travel plans. Strong winds, heavy rain, and the risk of flooding will affect rail, air, and road travel across Scotland, Northern England, and parts of Wales. Passengers are advised to stay updated on the latest weather and travel information, and to take necessary precautions for their safety. While authorities are working to mitigate the impact of the storm, travelers should prioritize safety during this challenging period.