On October 26, 2026, Storm Boelo led to the cancellation of all flights at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports and grounded more than 100 flights across the UK. The extreme weather conditions caused a full halt to flight operations at both major airports simultaneously.
Storm Boelo Wind Speeds and Area Warnings
Storm Boelo brought hazardous conditions with gusts reaching 85 mph in Scotland and northern England. Other recorded gusts included 76 mph at St Mary’s Airport, Isles of Scilly, 74 mph in Aberporth, south Wales, and 71 mph at Culdrose, Cornwall. The Met Office issued amber wind warnings covering Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, and northern England,
in effect until 9 pm on October 26. Storm Boelo followed Storm Austen, which had struck southern UK regions on October 23, 2026.
Impact on Heathrow and Gatwick Flight Operations
Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, experienced significant disruption due to the storm’s hazardous high winds, particularly affecting short-haul flights. At Gatwick Airport, officials warned passengers against traveling without confirming their flight status, citing hazardous conditions created by the storms. The storm’s outer bands imposed air traffic control spacing restrictions over the south-east, triggering a chain reaction of cancellations that left thousands of passengers stranded.
Wider Travel Disruptions: Events and Railways
Storm Boelo’s effects extended beyond aviation. London’s annual Diwali and Square celebrations were cancelled
after independent health and safety experts advised the Greater London Authority that persistent heavy rain and strong gales made staging unsafe at Trafalgar Square. Rail travel in Scotland also faced serious disruptions, with Network Rail Scotland reporting flooding on tracks and platforms in Glasgow and fallen trees blocking lines. Several railway sections in Scotland were closed or subject to speed restrictions. The Environment Agency issued five flood warnings and 33 alerts in northern England, while the Scottish Environment Protection Agency reported 34 flood warnings and 11 alerts as of 11 am on October 26.
Official Advisories and Warnings
Gatwick officials advised passengers not to
travel without checking their flight status due to hazardous weather conditions. Independent safety experts recommended the Greater London Authority cancel the city’s Diwali and Square events because of the unsafe environment created by high winds and persistent rain. Met Office warnings emphasized the severe risk of flying debris and recommended the public remain indoors as much as possible during the storm’s peak.
