United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Flights cancelled as second hurricane slams into Caribbean
British Airways has been forced to delay, re-route or cancel several flights as Caribbean islands brace themselves for a second hurricane this month.
The airline is also giving all passengers due to travel to the affected area the option to delay their travel up to September 30 or book an alternative destination.
Hurricane Maria has already caused widespread damage to the Caribbean island of Dominica after strengthening to a category five storm last night.
It has since been downgraded to a category four after losing some of its power, but it is expected to cause significant damage to several other Caribbean islands that lie in its way.
Maria is expected to follow roughly the same path as Hurricane Irma, which devastated several islands and parts of Florida earlier this month.
If it keeps on the same trajectory, Maria will hit Puerto Rico on Wednesday. The US and British Virgin Islands, St Kitts, Nevis and Montserrat have also issued hurricane warnings.
A tropical storm warning is also in force in Martinique,Antigua and Barbuda, Saba, St Eustatius, St Maarten, St Lucia and Anguilla.
As a result, St Lucia, Antigua and St Kitts airports have closed, forcing BA to cancel, re-route or delay its flights. The airline has also cancelled its Domincan Republic flights on Thursday. However, an extra flight from Punta Cana to Gatwick has been laid on for tomorrow morning and passengers due to travel on Thursday have automatically been rebooked onto this service.
The US National Hurricane Center said the storm would likely intensify tomorrow, noting that its eye had shrunk to a compact 10 miles across and warning: "Maria is developing the dreaded pinhole eye."
Experts said ‘potentially life-threatening’ storm surges could also raise water levels by six to nine feet near its centre.
The Foreign Office is currently advising against all travel to the BVI and has warned travellers to Anguilla, Turks and Caicos and other islands: "Please be aware that our ability to provide assistance to you will be extremely limited."
A hotline for people concerned about family and friends has been set up: 020 7008 0000.
The BVIs are expected to be hit today or tomorrow and Maria is likely to reach the Turks and Caicos by Thursday, said the Foreign Office.
Related News Stories:
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled