'Expect delays': Schiphol airport chaos after storm grounds 135 flights
Schiphol Airport has advised passengers to prepare for delays and cancellations, due to ongoing weather conditions and severe winds caused by storm Darragh.
So far, 135 flights have been cancelled today (Friday) after severe winds grounded planes, and a further 275 flights have been delayed, according to FlightAware.
More flight cancellations could be expected during the afternoon and evening, depending on how the weather develops.
Schiphol Airport advises to expect delays
Dutch airline KLM, which operates more planes from the Schiphol airport than anywhere else, has already cancelled more than 90 flights.
Other major airlines have also had to cancel flights including, Vueling Airlines, British Airways, Air France, Finnair, Lufthansa, and Delta, which makes up about 15 per cent of today's flights from the Amsterdam airport.
The airport's website currently shows most upcoming departures and arrivals as either cancelled or delayed by at least one hour and the airport says to "take delays and cancellations into account".
Passengers were already bracing for delays yesterday evening, and the airport says that terminals are currently not busy.
Even if your flight is scheduled to depart or land, you may have difficulties reaching the airport as the storm is affecting roads and rail networks too.
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The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute warns of debris blown around and fallen trees, caused by strong wind gusts of 75-90 km/h.
To reach the airport, you can also expect detours due to a junction on the A10 south motorway being closed until Monday morning. Drivers are advised to plan extra time.
Storm Darragh expected to cause further travel havoc in the UK
Storm Darragh is also expected to hit Britain later today: the UK's MET Office has just upgraded from an amber to a rare red 'risk to life' warning with expected strong winds to hit the southwest of England and Wales between 15:00 GMT on Friday until early on Sunday.
The last time a red warning was issued was in January with Storm Isha, which wreaked havoc across the northern half of the UK and left tens of thousands without power.
The Met Office says to expect roads, bridges and railway lines to be closed in this region, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights. There's also a good chance some communities will be cut off by flooded roads.
Other areas of the UK continue to be on yellow and amber warnings as snow, torrential rain and heavy winds are expected throughout the weekend. People are especially advised to avoid exposed coastal areas.
The British low-cost airline Jet2.com also warns that, "There may be some disruption should the weather deteriorate" over the next four days and advises that all customers allow extra time to travel to the airport and check in as scheduled.
Will you get a refund if you decide not to take your flight?
Travel insurance is designed to cover unforeseen events, such as emergency medical expenses, lost or stolen belongings and last-minute cancellations.
In some cases, you can be reimbursed if your trip is cancelled due to extreme weather - but certain conditions usually apply.
Check your policy for a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation, as these vary by provider. Some may provide add-ons for weather-related circumstances.
Simon McCulloch from Staysure travel insurance says: “The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel guidance, advising travellers to stay informed of local conditions and to follow the advice of local authorities.
However, at this stage, there is no advice against travel to Amsterdam, so if you decide to cancel your trip, it’s unlikely you’ll receive a refund from your holiday provider or from your insurer. We therefore recommend contacting your holiday provider to explore the available options.”
If your trip is cancelled by your airline or travel provider due to weather related events, you will likely be offered compensation and a replacement trip or refund.
