Airlines have cancelled a swathe of flights across the Irish Sea as Ireland began to receive its fiercest storm in 50 years.
Ireland is receiving the aftermath of ex-hurricane Ophelia, which is heading east across the Atlantic. It has been downgraded to a tropical storm, but winds are expected to be violent and destructive. Winds were already gusting to more than 90mph on the south west coast on Monday morning, with Northern Ireland due to be hit around midday.
Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways and British Airways are among carriers that have already cancelled flights from Dublin, while Shannon airport is advising passengers to contact airlines to check schedules. Irish authorities said 140 flights have been cancelled across the country.
A Dublin airport spokesperson said the airport was open but added: “Up to 130 flights to and from Dublin airport have been cancelled later today due to the expected impact of storm Ophelia.”
She added that all intending passengers were advised to contact their airline or check their airline’s website before travelling to Dublin airport today.
Scottish airports are also likely to be affected later on Monday. Ferry crossing are also affected, with Irish Ferries cancelling all Holyhead and Pembroke sailings today.