TUI warns passengers of 'extremely disrupted' flights and says 'safety top priority'

Hurricane Milton has caused flights to be halted at some airports, with flights between the UK and Florida now being 'closely monitored'

TUI has issued a warning to passengers following the closure of a major airport in the US due to Hurricane Milton. The powerful hurricane, which has once again been upgraded to Category 5 strength, is expected to hit the Tampa area with ferocious winds of up to 165mph on Wednesday night.

Evacuation orders have been issued in parts of Florida, with President Joe Biden warning that following the order was a matter of 'life and death'. Airports in the area have halted flights, including some to and from the UK, as a result of the anticipated hurricane-force winds.

TUI cancelled its TOM070 flight from London Gatwick Airport on Wednesday and is 'closely monitoring the situation' in relation to flights scheduled to take off from Birmingham Airport (TOM 664) and Glasgow (TOM742). The airline warned that its flying programme would be 'extremely disrupted' as a result.

Read more: Foreign Office issues 'life threatening' travel warning to UK tourists in USA and Mexico

In a statement, TUI said: "The safety of our customers is our top priority, and we are closely monitoring the path of Hurricane Milton which is forecast to be a storm of significant strength and pass over Florida from Wednesday. As a result Melbourne International Airport is expected to be extremely disrupted, as will our flying programme."

Customers on affected flights will be contacted directly to 'discuss their options', the airline said. UK tourists currently in Florida have been told to 'follow any instructions given by your hotel'.

The advice continued: "Tropical storms and hurricanes are not uncommon in the area and our hotels and resort teams are experienced in preparing for them. If you're in destination already, for your safety and wellbeing please follow any instructions given by your hotel management and resort teams.

"If you need any additional support, you can contact us via the TUI app, our TUI Guest Experience Centre on +44 2038303111 or speak to your local representative."

The British Foreign Office issued travel warnings to UK tourists visiting the two countries on Tuesday, urging people to closely monitor weather updates and follow any evacuation orders.