Flights from UK delayed by 'minimum 24 hours' as passengers warned of 'extreme disruption'

Several airports in the US have confirmed they are ceasing flights, with UK tourists told to expect 'cancellations and delays'

Flights from the UK to America have been pushed back by 'a minimum of 24 hours', with others cancelled, as Hurricane Milton storms towards the west coast of Florida.

Millions of people in parts of Florida are being evacuated ahead of the Category 5 hurricane's predicted landfall on Wednesday night. Virgin Atlantic has cancelled multiple flights to and from Orlando and Tampa to Heathrow and Manchester, which were set to take off on Wednesday and Thursday.

The airline said: "Due to adverse weather conditions expected to be caused by Hurricane Milton, a state of emergency has been declared in Florida. Unfortunately this has impacted our flying schedule, and services to and from Orlando and Tampa are subject to cancellations and delays.

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

"We will explore all options to support travel plans and all impacted customers will be contacted with their options. We’re working hard to rebook customers onto alternative flights however due to limited availability, new flights will depart on a different date, may involve travel via a connecting airport or depart/arrive at an alternative airport."

TUI also cancelled its TOM070 flight from London Gatwick Airport on Wednesday, with two further flights delayed until Friday, October 11. The airline 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.

"The two flights schedule to operate to Melbourne International Airport on Thursday, October 10 will unfortunately not operate as planned. We intend to delay these flights for a minimum of 24 hours and operate them on Friday, October 11. We will be in contact with customers directly to confirm their new flight times."

The two flights affected are the TOM742 from Glasgow Airport and the TOM664 from Birmingham Airport. According to reports, Orlando Melbourne Airport will close from 2pm on Wednesday until 9am on Friday due to the hurricane, which is expected to batter Florida with winds of up to 165mph.

Orlando International Airport halted flights from 8am, while Tampa International closed its gates on Tuesday. TUI also issued advice to Brits currently on holiday in Florida, saying: "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."