Passengers Stranded as NI Flights Cancelled Amid Weather Alert
Strong winds and heavy rain caused significant travel disruption across Northern Ireland on Thursday, leaving many passengers stranded at Belfast City Airport after numerous flights were cancelled.
Details of the Disruptions
By Thursday evening, twenty scheduled flights to and from Belfast City Airport were cancelled. Most of the affected routes were Aer Lingus regional flights connecting Northern Ireland with Great Britain.
Reasons Behind the Cancellations
The cancellations involved twin-engine propeller airplanes typically used for short-haul routes. These disruptions followed a yellow weather warning issued by the Met Office, which was active from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Gusts of up to 50 mph were expected widely, with potential speeds reaching 70 mph over higher ground and coastal regions.
Impact on Travel and Local Events
Road, rail, air, and ferry transport faced delays, and there were warnings about possible short-term power outages. Several Halloween events across Northern Ireland were called off due to the storm, and inflatable decorations in Belfast were temporarily taken down for safety.
Author’s Summary
Severe weather led to major flight cancellations and disrupted Halloween activities across Northern Ireland as strong winds and heavy rain swept through the region.