Emirates cancels flights to Florida ahead of Hurricane Dorian

Hundreds of flights cancelled across the US south-east as Dorian gathers force

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Emirates airline has cancelled flights to Florida ahead of Hurricane Dorian’s arrival in the south-east United States tomorrow, Monday, September 2.

Flights EK219 and EK220 to and from Orlando, Florida have been cancelled and passengers are being rebooked on alternate flights, an Emirates representative said.

"Passengers holding tickets to and from Orlando are advised to contact their local Emirates office and check the status of their flights on emirates.com for the latest updates," the airline said.

Emirates cancelled two flights from Dubai to Orlando before Hurricane Dorian hits the south-eastern US. Courtesy Emirates
Emirates cancelled two flights from Dubai to Orlando before Hurricane Dorian hits the south-eastern US. Courtesy Emirates

The cancellations came after Orlando International Airport said it would close before Dorian’s landfall. The path of the storm has since shifted, causing the airport authorities to retract cancellation plans, but both Emirates flights remain cancelled.

Airport closures 

Orlando International Airport will operate on Monday, September 2, according to a statement from the airport authorities who will also closely monitor the path of the storm.

However, Orlando’s Melbourne International Airport will close at 6pm on Monday. "Airport officials continue to monitor #HurricaneDorian" the airport said.

Daytona Beach Airport is also set to close after its last flight departs on Sunday September 1.

Nassau Airport remains open, with the authorities closely monitoring the storm's approach. Miami International Airport is operating as normal, but passengers have been told to expect delays.

Changing travel plans

Passengers due to travel in or out of Florida this week can change their flight plans as many airlines are offering fee waivers.

Jet Blue, American Airlines, British Airways and Alaska Airlines are among the companies waiving charges to change tickets. About 30 airports across the US are included in the fee waivers.

Emirates passengers booked for travel to Florida on a ticket purchased before August 30, 2019 and up to September 4 can delay their flight for up to seven days after the original date of travel with no change fee.

Airports in Atlanta, Baltimore and Minneapolis are set to be busier than normal and passengers travelling from these destinations have been advised to arrive early for flights.

According to tracking site Flight Aware, 350 flights have been cancelled in, out and within the US tomorrow, Monday, September 2.

Hurricane Dorian will bring tropical storm-force winds to Florida. Courtesy National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Hurricane Dorian will bring tropical storm-force winds to Florida. Courtesy National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration advised that tropical storm-force winds in the Florida region are set to be at their highest from Sunday afternoon to Monday morning. These winds could affect flights trying to land or take off from airports in and around the area.

Ahead of Dorian's arrival the UAE embassy helped 70 people leave Florida. Due to the unpredictability of the storm's path, the embassy also issued warnings to Emiratis living in or due to travel to Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.