All flights at Heathrow and Gatwick airports were cancelled on October 25, 2026, as Storm Boelo brought severe weather across the UK. More than 100 flights were grounded nationwide, with Heathrow facing heavy disruption on its short-haul networks. Gatwick Airport officials warned passengers against travelling without first checking their flight status due to hazardous wind conditions caused by the storm.
Storm Boelo’s High Winds and Flood Warnings Across the UK
Gusts reached 85 mph in parts of Scotland and northern England, with 76 mph recorded at St Mary’s Airport in the Isles of Scilly, 74 mph at Aberporth in south Wales, and 71 mph at Culdrose in Cornwall. The Met
Office issued an amber wind warning zone covering Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, and far north England. A yellow wind warning zone extended further south until 9 pm. Flood warnings and alerts were active as of 11 am, with the Environment Agency issuing five flood warnings and 33 alerts in northern England, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency reporting 34 flood warnings and 11 flooding alerts.
Network Rail Scotland reported flooding on train tracks and platforms in Glasgow and fallen trees obstructing rail lines. Speed restrictions and partial railway closures are in effect across Scotland. Major roads in Scotland were
closed due to collapsed trees, cables on carriageways, strong winds, and damaged surfaces.
London Events Cancelled Amid Safety Concerns
The Greater London Authority cancelled London’s annual Diwali and Trafalgar Square celebrations following safety advice from independent health and safety experts. The decision was made due to heavy gales and persistent downpours making it unsafe to set up staging for the events. The cancellations follow Storm Austen, which hit on Friday, earlier causing travel disruption and contributing to flight and transport difficulties this weekend.
Official Warnings and Travel Advisories
Gatwick officials urged passengers not to travel to the airport without confirming their flight status first. The Met Office highlighted the risk to
life from flying debris and urged people to stay indoors. Network Rail Scotland called on residents near railway lines to secure garden furniture after images showed unsecured items such as trampolines and sheds near train tracks. The ongoing storm has disrupted air traffic control spacing, especially into London, further reducing flight volumes and leading to cascading cancellations.
