Jet2 and Ryanair sound the alarm: Storm Éowyn’s 90mph blasts set to clobber UK flights
Jet2 and Ryanair planes landing at an airport before Storm Éowyn hit the UK.
Credit: Shutterstock, samatotoh
British holidaymakers are braced for a turbulent few days as Storm Éowyn barrels towards the UK with winds of up to 90mph, forcing airlines to issue urgent travel warnings. The Met Office has slapped the country with amber weather alerts, warning of “very strong winds and widespread disruption” from Friday right through the weekend.
Storm Éowyn: havoc on the horizon
This fierce weather front has triggered yellow and amber warnings, prompting fears of potential chaos on roads, rail, air and ferry services. In a stark statement, the Met Office cautioned that “injuries and danger to life could occur from flying debris,” and added that some roads and bridges may close. They also warned Brits to expect damage to buildings, with roofs possibly taking off faster than a budget flight.
One of the last times the UK was battered by such strong winds, flights were forced to abort their landings.
Jet2 gears up for disruption in light of Storm Éowyn
Leading the charge is Jet2, which is on high alert, telling passengers to “be prepared for a longer than normal wait either in the terminal or onboard the aircraft to depart.” A Jet2 spokesperson admitted the airline is doing everything in its power to keep flights “as close to schedule as possible,” but apologised in advance for any disruption caused by Storm Éowyn’s gale-force blasts.
“Our operations team are closely monitoring the UK forecast,” Jet2 explained, urging travellers flying on Friday, January 24 to keep a sharp eye on their flight status.
Storm Éowyn causes fog concerns for Ryanair
Meanwhile, Ryanair has its own set of worries, as poor visibility and heavy fog wreak havoc today. The airline warns that some flights “may face immediate disruption”, with passengers due to be notified of any last-minute changes.
In a public notice, Ryanair told customers travelling to or from the UK on Wednesday, January 22 to check the Ryanair app for live updates on flights. “We regret any inconvenience caused to passengers by these weather conditions, which are outside of Ryanair’s control,” the airline added.
Danger to life warning as Storm Éowyn rips through the UK
The Met Office has not minced its words: “Injuries and danger to life could occur from flying debris” as Storm Éowyn rips through the UK. Winds howling at up to 90mph could bring down power lines, fling beach debris onto seafront properties and possibly “blow off” rooftops in what could feel like a scene from a disaster movie.
Brits are being urged to double-check with their airlines before setting off, as the combination of roaring gusts and unsettled conditions could mean airports end up with planes grounded and would-be holidaymakers grounded, too.
With journeys set to get bumpier than a budget flight in a thunderstorm, travellers are being told to keep their seatbelts fastened and their eyes on official updates. Whether you’re planning to fly or simply watching from below, brace yourselves: it looks like there may very well be delays.
Storm Éowyn could be the worst blow to hit the UK this winter, and your travel plans might just be caught in the crosswinds. Stay safe, check online for the latest guidance.
Get more news from around the UK.
Read more news in English from around Europe.
