Several airlines have cancelled services to and from Irish Airports today as a precautionary safety measure in the wake of what is expected to be the worst storm to hit the country for many years.

 

Dublin Airport today due to the arrival of Hurricane Ophelia, which has already delivered winds well in excess of 100km an hour.

 

As a result, the authorities have issue a Red Weather Alert for the whole country, which effectively means violent and destructive winds are expected in every county.

 

AMBER WARNING IS NOW IN PLACE

The north of the country has also been classified with an amber warning, indicating that the winds are a danger to life and property.

 

Aer Lingus, Ryanair, British Airways, Air France, CityJet, Emirates, Qatar Airways and KLM have all been obliged to cancel some flights today, although passengers have been informed in advance.

 

It is a similar story in Cork where wind speeds reached just over 168km an hour this morning at Cork Airport, although on a smaller scale. Cork Airport’s Head of Communications Kevin Cullinane said: “Passengers hoping to travel today are urged to check their flight status with relevant airlines, after cancellations this morning and expected delays later today.

 

STORM EXPECTED TO PASS TODAY

“As Storm Ophelia grips the South of Ireland, and on our 56th anniversary of operations at Cork Airport, passenger safety has always and will continue to be the paramount consideration at Cork Airport.

 

Limited flights did depart this morning, but some flights have been cancelled throughout the day and passengers flying later today are advised to check their airline for updates as further cancellations and delays are imminent.”

 

A spokesperson for Shannon Airport also confirmed some cancellations for today.