Hurricane Dorian cancellations: Latest on flights and holiday destinations affected by the Category 5 storm – The Sun

AS Hurricane Dorian moves towards the east coast of the US, hundreds of flights in and out of the country have been cancelled.

Florida will be among the worst hit, with Orlando Airport already closed.

States including Georgia and the Carolinas will also be heavily affected.
A number of cruises have had to be cancelled or rerouted due to the storms.

And popular tourist attractions, including Disney World, have changed their opening times to prepare for the hurricane.

If you're in the affected areas or about to go on holiday, here's what you need to know:

Which airlines have cancelled flights?

Orlando Airport will be closed on Tuesday September 3 with passengers told not to travel.

All flights to and from the UK to Orlando have been cancelled and passengers have been advised to check with their airlines regarding alternative routes.

Due to scheduling, passengers may find their flights on following days may be affected as well.

Nearby, Miami Airport remains open but has advised passengers that some flights have been cancelled and they should check directly with the airline.

British Airways/American Airlines

BA and American Airlines flights are operated on a codeshare basis and both are affected.

A spokesperson for BA said: "We have apologised to customers affected by Hurricane Dorian and are in touch with those whose flights have been cancelled to rebook and reimburse them for any additional nights' hotel accommodation."

The airline added that customers who are planning to travel to the region should keep their details up to date on their booking and those who want to change their flights should get in touch.

BA added that flights to other airports in Florida are currently scheduled as normal.

Virgin Atlantic/Delta

Similarly, Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines flights are operating on a codeshare basis.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: "We have been monitoring Hurricane Dorian’s movements closely and we are aware of Orlando International Airport’s decision to exercise caution and cease commercial flight operations today.

"Our services to and from Orlando airport are therefore cancelled on Tuesday 3 September."

Virgin's flights from Miami are operating as normal and the airline said it will get in touch with customers directly regarding any changes.

Can I get compensation if my flight is cancelled due to Hurricane Dorian?

Unfortunately because delays and cancellations due to weather is considered an "extraordinary circumstance", passengers won't be due any compensation from airlines under EU law.

However, airlines are obligated to rebook passengers on alternative flights or offer refund.

Depending on your situation, the airline may also help with food and accommodation expenses incurred as a result of delays and cancellations.

If you have travel insurance, you may be able to claim compensation depending on your policy.

You should check the small print to see if you're covered and keep receipts for any expenses.

Norwegian Air

A spokesperson for Norwegian told Sun Online Travel: "We’ve cancelled flights to and from Orlando on 3 and 4 September due to Hurricane Dorian.

"We are continuously monitoring the situation and keeping our customers updated via SMS text messages and we urge customers to visit our website for the latest flight status updates before travelling to the airport."

Norwegian added that for customers who have had their flights cancelled or significantly delayed by the hurricane, the airline will offer a free rebooking or free refund.

For those whose flights have not been affected but no longer wish to travel, Norwegian is also offering free rebooking.

Thomas Cook Airlines

Thomas Cook has advised passengers to check their website for the latest information.

Its statement said: "Flights MT2752 from Manchester to Orlando, and flight MT2753 from Orlando to Manchester on Tuesday 3rd September will no longer operate as scheduled, and will be delayed for at least 24 hours. We will update with a new flight time as soon as possible.

"Customers scheduled to return to the UK on flight MT2753 from Orlando to Manchester should remain in their accommodation where possible, and follow the advice of the hotel and local authorities.

"Those customers in the UK scheduled to fly from Manchester to Orlando on flight MT2572 should not come to the airport until advised of their rescheduled flight time."

Aer Lingus

A spokesperson for Aer Lingus told Sun Online Travel: "Aer Lingus flights EI121 and EI120 to/from Orlando on Tuesday 3rd September have been cancelled.

"Guests were provided with meal vouchers and overnight accommodation as required and our Guest Relations team are working re-accommodating those impacted on the next available flights.

"We are continuing to monitor the hurricane and are keeping guests updated directly."

Are Orlando theme parks and tourist attractions affected?

A number of popular tourist attractions and theme parks are still operating despite the storms but some have modified their opening hours.

Walt Disney World Resort

Most of Disney's parks are still open, with the exception of Blizzard Beach Water Park and ESPN Wide World of Sports.

However, the parks have different opening times and some events have been cancelled – guests are offered refunds or exchanges if they are affected.

Guests should keep an eye out on the resort's weather updates website.

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure will open as scheduled.

However,  Universal's Volcano Bay Water Theme Park will be closed.

Guests can check the latest updates on Universal's website or follow the park on Twitter.

Those who have booked holidays at the resort can also cancel or change their holiday in certain circumstances according to the park's Hurricane Policy.

SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld has advised on its website that the attraction is closed on September 3.

The attraction advised guests to keep an eye out on their social media channels for the latest update.

Guests who have already booked tickets are advised to call +1 407 545 5550 to reschedule their tickets.

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

SEA LIFE have adjusted their opening times to a slightly shorter day.

However, the attraction warned that opening times may vary depending on the weather situation.

You can get the latest details from their website.

If the situation gets worse, guests may be entitled to a refund.

Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center will be closed on September 3 and 4.

The visitor centre said it will be monitoring the situation and updating reopening dates on its website and social media accounts.

Those who have booked tours or experiences will be able to get a refund by calling +1 855 433 4210.

You can find latest details of where Hurricane Dorian is here.

Last year, Hurricane Michael caused travel chaos for many Brits visiting Florida.

But for those who wanted to cancel their holidays at the last minute, they found it difficult to get compensation payout.

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