Emirates has joined dozens of airlines in cancelling flights to London as Storm Ciara approaches Britain and Ireland.
Flight EK029, due to depart Dubai International Airport for London Heathrow this morning, has been grounded.
“Due to expected severe weather in London this flight has been cancelled. We are in the process of rebooking the flights to the final destination and will send an updated itinerary shortly,” the airline’s website said.
Passengers are being rebooked on to alternative flights. All travellers due to fly to airports in London and across the UK today are advised to check their flight status before travel.
Emirates flight Ek17 had to be diverted to Frankfurt after failing twice to land in Manchester. After waiting on the tarmac for around an hour, passengers were told they'd be staying in the German city overnight.
The UK’s meteorological office issued severe weather warnings for the weekend, with strong winds of up to 128kmph and widespread heavy rain expected.
Heathrow consolidating flights
London’s Heathrow Airport announced it was “consolidating” Sunday’s flight schedule to minimise the number of flights cancelled.
Thousands of passengers will be affected by the flight cancellations, with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Iberia and Cathay Pacific among the airlines that have cancelled flights.
British Airways passengers are expected to be worst affected. The airline’s hub is Heathrow Airport and it has also cancelled flights from London City and Gatwick airports.
The airline said it was offering flexible rebooking options for all customers.
Storm Ciara is trending on social media, with Twitter users posting pictures of the storm brewing.
