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The current storm, Ciaran, is causing major issues for travel in the UK and surrounding areas. Many flights and trips are expected to be delayed or cancelled until Saturday.
Over 100 flights in the UK have been cancelled. The Channel is experiencing the most severe weather conditions at sea. Ferry trips from Dover to Calais and Dunkirk have been halted.
Several train connections have been shut down, either in anticipation of the approaching storm or due to debris or water blocking the tracks.
These are the main concerns for travelers.
British Airways and KLM, a Dutch airline, have jointly cancelled approximately 100 flights to, from, and within the United Kingdom due to Storm Ciaran.
BA has recently expanded the amount of short-distance flight cancellations at Heathrow. A total of 38 domestic and European flights have been grounded by the airline. Furthermore, all 10 flights between Heathrow and Jersey have been cancelled due to the closure of the Jersey airport for the entire day. The airport in Guernsey is also currently closed.
The cancellations consisted of two round trips to Amsterdam, Belfast City, Brussels, Glasgow, and Paris CDG each.
A representative stated: “Similar to other airlines, we have had to modify our schedules due to severe weather conditions in the UK and Europe caused by Storm Ciaran.”
“We have expressed our apologies to our customers for the inconvenience caused to their travel arrangements, and our teams are diligently working to get them back on track as soon as possible.”
Travelers are being offered alternative bookings on different flights, or have the option to receive a complete refund.
Furthermore, KLM has had to cancel numerous flights connecting its main base in Amsterdam with the United Kingdom because of limitations on runway space at the airport in the Netherlands.
The airline is informing travelers that there will be reduced runway capacity at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol on Thursday, November 2nd due to anticipated weather conditions. This has resulted in the cancellation of some flights. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
KLM has experienced groundings for departures and arrivals at all 17 of its UK airports, including Bristol and Inverness. Approximately 50 flights to and from Amsterdam have been impacted. The most severely affected airports are London City, London Heathrow, and Manchester.
Travelers have the right to receive free alternative travel arrangements, including accommodations and meals, from KLM until they arrive at their final destination. However, the airline advises passengers to personally find a hotel that meets their preferences if their flight is delayed and they need lodging.
Possible disruptions may occur throughout the network, however, the following are the main issues at 8am on Thursday.
Great Western Railway
In the late morning, GWR reported that the entire Great Western railway line from Newton Abbot in southern Devon to Penzance in western Cornwall is currently not in operation.
“Do not try to travel on this route before noon and anticipate continued major disruptions throughout the day.”
There will be no train service until this afternoon on multiple lines.
- Taunton-Exeter
- Newton Abbot-Penzance (inclusive of branch lines)
- Salisbury-Southampton
- Reading-Gatwick airport
“If possible, please work remotely from home. There is a high chance of trees and other debris falling onto the train tracks, causing significant disruptions to service on Thursday morning. In areas where the storm has caused track closures, it is unlikely that there will be rail replacement transportation available. Our team anticipates that road conditions will be extremely hazardous.”
There is an obstruction caused by a tree along the route from Croydon to Uckfield.
Southeastern
The first incident involving a trampoline has occurred at Hastings station in East Sussex. Southeastern announced on X: “The trampoline is currently being removed from Platform 4…. Our colleagues at Network Rail SE had to clear it from the tracks in Hastings.”
“If you have a trampoline in your backyard, please ensure it is properly secured as it will be very windy outside.”
In addition, Southeastern strongly recommends that passengers do not try to journey on the following routes this morning:
- Ashford International – London via Maidstone East or Tonbridge
-
Travel from Dover Priory to London through Canterbury East or Tonbridge.
- Faversham – London via Chatham
-
Travel from Hastings to London through either Tunbridge Wells or Tonbridge.
-
Travel from Ramsgate to London via Canterbury West, Faversham, or Dover.
- Paddock Wood – Strood
Southwestern
There are several issues on the network caused by flooding and trees obstructing the lines.
- Salisbury-Southampton
- Ash-Wanborough
- Leatherhead-Effingham Junction
- Fareham-Swanwick
is one of the most famous and busy underground train lines in the world.
The Piccadilly Line of the London Underground is renowned as one of the busiest and most well-known subway lines globally.
There will be a disruption in service between Acton Town and Rayners Lane due to the removal of an obstruction on the track at Alperton.
Transport for Wales
On Thursday, both the Heart of Wales Line and Conwy Valley Line will be closed due to a fallen tree on the tracks between Shrewsbury and Telford, causing a blockage in Shropshire.
There are delays and cancellations on the route from Newcastle to Carlisle due to a speed restriction.
LNER will not be operating between Aberdeen and Edinburgh from 10:30am on Thursday until Saturday. Between 3pm on Thursday and the end of service on Friday, half of the trains traveling between Edinburgh and Newcastle will be cancelled. The remaining services may experience delays up to 40 minutes due to a speed restriction along this route.
Numerous pathways are experiencing significant interruptions, resulting in the suspension of the majority of Channel voyages.
Irish Ferries
There are expected cancellations and delays on Irish Sea and Channel routes, but Dover-Calais ferries should still be running unlike other operators.
DFDS Ferries
The scheduled trips between the United Kingdom and France will not take place until late Thursday night or early Friday morning. This applies to both the Dover-Calais/Dunkirk and Newhaven-Dieppe routes.
P&O Ferries
The operator announced that due to Storm Ciaran, their services have been temporarily halted. They are currently assessing the weather conditions and will resume operations once it is deemed safe.
Brittany Ferries
All scheduled voyages between the UK and Spain crossing the Bay of Biscay on Thursday have been cancelled.
Condor Ferries
All trips to and from Jersey have been cancelled until Saturday.
The overnight Portsmouth-Fishbourne route was disrupted, however, it is reported that the majority of sailings on Thursday will proceed as scheduled.
Source: independent.co.uk