Passengers faced canceled flights on Friday, 23 October, as Storm Austen brought severe weather to southern England and the Channel Islands. Gusts of up to 80mph were forecast for Cornwall and Devon, with strong winds affecting a wider area.

Southampton Airport’s departures were heavily affected. Canceled services included flights to Guernsey, Jersey and Alderney, as well as routes to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Belfast International. Disruption extended into the afternoon, affecting travelers on both domestic and island journeys.

Across the Channel Islands, airlines canceled Jersey’s morning flights, while Guernsey’s disruption continued beyond the earlier anticipated restart. A subsequent States of Guernsey update said afternoon flights were canceled until at least 4.45 pm, underlining the uncertainty around when services could resume.

Aurigny also suspended its morning services. According to reports, the airline said it would contact affected customers and that canceled flights qualified for a full refund. Passengers should check the instructions attached to their individual bookings for their available options.

Loganair’s published cancellation list included connections between Jersey and several UK airports, as well as selected services involving Southampton, Exeter and Cornwall Airport Newquay. The airline offered eligible customers the opportunity to move their journey to another flight within 14 days, without a change fee or fare difference, subject to seat availability.

For anyone due to travel, checking directly with the operating airline before leaving home remains essential. Jersey Airport advised passengers to travel to the terminal only once their airline confirmed that their flight was operating. A planned afternoon departure should therefore not be treated as confirmation that services have returned to normal.