Storm Eowyn has hit the United Kingdom, bringing record winds that are disrupting air travel in multiple airports across the country.
On January 24, 2025, red warnings were issued for Northern Ireland as well as central and southwestern areas of Scotland as Storm Eowyn brought “strong winds causing very dangerous conditions”, according to data from the UK’s Met Office weather forecasters.
Southwesterly, then westerly winds will rapidly increase from west to east with peak gusts of 80-90 mph in many areas and up to 100 miles (160 kilometers) per hour along some exposed coasts, the Met Office has reported. In Ireland, a record wind speed of 114 miles (183 kilometers) per hour was recorded.
This brings a significant risk of major disruptions to various forms of transport, especially air travel. Many flights have been delayed or cancelled because of the storm, and some airports are offering travel waivers.
Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 data shows that the airports most impacted by flight cancellations are Dublin, Edinburgh, Heathrow and Glasgow.
Dublin Airport has experienced 116 cancellations and 17 delays, while Edinburgh Airport has seen 81 cancellations and two delays. Heathrow Airport recorded 62 cancellations and 49 delays, and Glasgow Airport had 43 cancellations and eight delays.
Dublin Airport appears to be the worst affected, with around 230 flights canceled that were supposed to arrive or depart at the airport. The airport has posted on Facebook, warning of “further cancellations and delays to flights during the remainder of the day”.
Edinburgh Airport has issued a waiver for travel, stating that “no flights will operate during the red weather warning”. The initial schedule included 136 departing flights, 124 arriving flights and approximately 28,000 passengers expected.
Manchester Airport has also issued an update for travelers due to severe weather warnings. In an update on X, Manchester Airport officials urged travelers to “check with airlines for up-to-date information”.
Passengers are advised to keep checking their flight status with their airline while these warnings are in place and throughout the coming days.
