‘Hurricane Gonzalo’ has caused the cancellation of 10% of Heathrow Airport’s leading carrier’s flights as strong winds of up to 75mph batter the UK.

The tail end of the hurricane from across the Atlantic is also affecting schedules at some other airports. For example, British Airways reports that it is following a request from Heathrow Airport and National Air Traffic Services (NATS) to reduce its schedule for safety reasons, as there will be a lower number of aircraft allowed to land within each hour.

The airline says that other UK airports have also reduced the number of aircraft they are able to handle – particularly short-haul and domestic flights – and other parts of northern Europe are also said to have been affected.

STRONG WINDS
The UK Meteorological Office is warning that 55mph gusts of wind are very likely, with up to 60 to 70mph in some areas and it is also predicting similar, if not stronger winds in northern Scotland.

There are also problems for passengers and airline crews travelling by roads and train in some areas, power cuts in others and some ferry companies have also cancelled services, including Irish Ferries.

Gonzalo was originally a Category 4 major hurricane that hit Bermuda in mid-October, before hitting the Leeward Islands. It also caused major damage in Antigua and Saint Martin before weakening and heading across the Atlantic.

TOP IMAGE: Hurricane Gonzalo over the Atlantic in mid October.[Picture credit: National Aeronautics and Space Administration].