Storm Ashley: Passengers stranded on Belfast airport runway for hours due to weather conditions

Belfast City Airport has cancelled several departures amidst Storm Ashley. 

The following Aer Lingus flights – 17:55 to Birmingham (EI3648), the 18.00 to Manchester ( EI3618), 18.05 to Leeds Bradford (EI3678) and 18.50 to Edinburgh (EI3658) – have all been cancelled. 

The British Airways departure to London Heathrow (BA1425) at 19.40 has also been cancelled. 

Several flights have also had their timings change, including the following easyJet flights – 

EZY262 – Bristol – Due to depart at 19:30

EZY473 – Glasgow – Due to depart at 19:15

EZY804 – London Gatwick – Due to depart at 21:15

EZY724 – Manchester – Due to depart at 21:10

Multi-agency partners have continued to meet over the weekend in preparation for Storm Ashley which is forecast to bring strong winds until midnight tonight, Sunday 20 October.

The Met Office has issued an AMBER warning for strong and disruptive winds from 1pm until 8pm for Counties Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry and north Antrim. All counties remain under a YELLOW, medium impact warning until midnight.

These strong winds in conjunction with high spring tides and large waves can generate a tidal surge which may cause some disruption.

Staff from all agencies have continued to monitor the situation through the weekend and are ready and prepared to respond to any impacts. The weather conditions could lead to debris on the roads, fallen trees and spray or large waves on exposed and vulnerable coastal areas. Due to the potential for large waves, flooding of coastal roads is also possible – please remember not to drive through flood water.

Temporary tidal flood defences ( which are part of Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme) have been deployed as a preventative measure along the River Lagan in the vicinity of Lockview Road / Cutters due to Storm Ashley in advance of high tide. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused to people travelling in the area. Rivers staff will continue to monitor high tides at sensitive locations along the coast over the weekend.

Traffic disruption is possible so please plan ahead, stay up to date with the latest weather and travel advice, consider if your journey is necessary and take extra care if travelling. Advice and information on the current weather warnings is available at: Strong winds weather warning – information and advice. It may be necessary to close some roads or put temporary restrictions in place.  Road users are reminded to adhere to road signs and any temporary traffic lights.

Remember to reduce your speed, stay well behind the vehicle in front, remain focused and always wear your seatbelt.  Traffic information can be found at: TrafficWatchNI – Home . You can report an obstruction at: Report an obstruction on a road or street | nidirect or call the 24-hour number on 0300 200 7899.

The PSNI has warned motorists of potential traffic disruption this afternoon due to Storm Ashley. 

A spokesperson said: “The Met Office has now issued an amber weather warning for strong and disruptive winds from 1pm until 8pm for Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry / Londonderry and north Antrim; while all counties remain under a yellow warning until midnight.

“Due to these expected unsettled travelling conditions, we are advising road users to exercise extra caution. Consider if your journey is necessary and take extra care if travelling.

“If you must travel, please bear the prevailing conditions in mind. Your journey may take longer than normal, please drive slowly to minimize the impact of wind gusts, and be aware of high-sided vehicles on more exposed roads. Fallen trees or flying debris are possible in the gale force winds.

“Reduce your speed and give more vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists more room than usual, especially when overtaking.

Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck added: “Consider the potential risks before you leave. Do not place yourself or others in unnecessary danger.”