All flights at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports were cancelled on October 25, 2026, due to severe weather caused by Storm Boelo. The storm produced gusts reaching 85mph, compelling authorities to halt all flight operations at the two major hubs.
Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, experienced notable disruption particularly affecting its short-haul flight network. Gatwick Airport officials issued warnings about hazardous conditions and urged passengers not to travel without confirming flight status. The storm also prompted last-minute cancellations of London’s annual Diwali and Square cultural celebrations, following advice from independent health and safety experts concerned about ongoing strong winds and heavy
rain.
The Met Office issued an amber weather warning covering Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England, with wind gusts tracking across these regions. Network Rail Scotland reported flooding on train tracks and platforms, alongside fallen trees causing partial closures and speed restrictions on several rail sections. The Environment Agency issued five flood warnings and 33 flood alerts across northern England, while the Scottish Environment Protection Agency activated 34 flood warnings and 11 alerts as of 11:00 a.m. on October 25.
Passengers were left stranded by the total flight shutdowns at Heathrow and Gatwick on October 25. Travel disruptions extended beyond
air transport, with rail services in Scotland affected by flooding and wind damage. Storm Boelo came only days after Storm Austen, which struck on October 23-24, producing gusts up to 76mph at St Mary’s Airport in the Isles of Scilly and strong winds elsewhere in southern UK, adding to the week’s network disruptions.
