Storm Austen has forced multiple flight cancellations, diversions, and delays across the United Kingdom and parts of Western Europe on 24 October 2026. Airports affected include Bristol, Guernsey, London City, Exeter, and Southampton, with wind gusts recorded between 50 mph and 80 mph disrupting normal operations today.
Guernsey Airport Damage and Flight Cancellations
Guernsey Airport sustained terminal damage overnight due to the severe winds, prompting immediate safety inspections. Richard Thomasson, director of Guernsey Airport, confirmed on 24 October that teams conducted initial assessments and were completing full internal and external safety checks before reopening. The airport aimed to reopen its terminal at 2 p.m., with flexibility
to extend operating hours as required to accommodate incoming and outgoing flights.
Aurigny airlines canceled all flights to and from Somerset for 24 and 25 October due to forecasted wind gusts reaching up to 65 mph, affecting passenger travel plans across the south-west region.
Flight Disruptions and Traveler Advisories at UK Airports
Bristol Airport advised passengers to check flight statuses, monitor updates from airlines, and allow additional travel time amid the weather disruptions caused by Storm Austen. Similarly, Loganair canceled flights connecting Southampton, Jersey, Bristol, and Exeter today. London City Airport prepared its exposed runway for delays anticipated under strong wind conditions.
Power Outages and School Closures in South-West England
Before 10:30 a.m., National Grid Electricity
Distribution reported more than 18,000 homes lost power in south-west England. In Brighton, 20 schools closed at the start of the day, with 50 reopening later in the afternoon, further highlighting the storm’s broad impact beyond air travel.
Weather Warnings and Train Service Disruptions
The Met Office issued an amber wind warning effective from 9 p.m. on 24 October for 24 hours, covering Scotland, the north coast of Northern Ireland, Cumbria, and Northumberland. This warning comes amid persistent strong winds and heavy rain linked to Storm Austen.
Train services across England faced heavy disruptions, including cancellations and delays caused by fallen trees on tracks and lightning
strikes. National Rail and Great Western Railway have warned passengers of service interruptions extending into the weekend. Transport for Scotland recommended travelers restrict journeys to essential travel only due to the severe weather impacts on rail operations.
Richard Thomasson of Guernsey Airport said, “We’re just doing final checks for the terminal now and we hope to have that open at 2 p.m., we’re taking every precaution possible but we are very conscious that we want to get open, allow flight to operate to get passengers moving and if we have to stay open later this evening than our published opening
times then we are very keen to do that.”
Bristol Airport stated, “With Storm Austen causing disruption across the UK today, passengers travelling to and from Bristol Airport are advised to: Check your flight status before travelling. Monitor airline updates. Allow extra time for your journey and drive safely.”
