All flights at Heathrow and Gatwick airports were cancelled on October 26, 2026, due to the impact of Storm Boelo, which grounded more than 100 flights nationwide. The storm caused severe disruption across the UK’s airspace and led to widespread operational halts at these two major London airports.
Storm Conditions and Flight Disruption
Storm Boelo brought intense weather including sustained high winds with gusts up to 85 mph across Scotland and northern England. Persistent heavy rainfall accompanied the dangerous wind speeds, restricting air traffic control spacing over South East England and forcing flight cancellations and reductions in landing and take-off volumes at London airports.
Warnings and Event Cancellations
Gatwick
Airport officials warned passengers not to travel without first verifying their flight status because of hazardous conditions created by the storm’s high winds. Independent health and safety experts advised the Greater London Authority that conditions were too unsafe to erect staging for London’s annual Diwali and Trafalgar Square celebrations, leading to their cancellation.
Flood and Rail Impacts in Scotland and Northern England
The Environment Agency issued five flood warnings and 33 flood alerts in northern England, while the Scottish Environment Protection Agency reported 34 flood warnings and 11 alerts across Scotland as of 11 a.m. on October 26. Network Rail Scotland imposed speed restrictions and closed several rail sections
due to flooding and fallen trees on the lines. Major roads in Scotland were closed because of collapsed trees, damaged cables, and hazardous surfaces caused by the storm.
Travel Advice and Passenger Impact
Passengers were urged by Gatwick officials to check flight statuses before traveling, with thousands stranded by the cascading cancellations. Widespread railway disruptions, including line closures in Scotland, further compounded travel difficulties. Airlines adjusted their schedules at Heathrow and Gatwick to avoid network gridlock amid the severe weather conditions.
