Ophelia Hits Ireland as Post-Tropical Storm; Flights Canceled

Up to 135 flights have been canceled through Dublin Airport as Ophelia, now a post-tropical storm, lashes Ireland.

The New York Times reports that Ophelia strengthened to a category 3 hurricane over the weekend before being downgraded to a post-tropical storm, although it remains one of the most powerful systems ever recorded in the northeastern Atlantic. At least one person was killed Monday as the storm hit Ireland with winds of up to 109 miles per hour as of Monday morning.

“Bear in mind that while in some parts of the country the storm is not yet that bad, it is coming your way,” Prime Minister Leo Varadkar told the Times. “This is a national red alert. It applies to all cities, all counties and all areas.”

According to the Times, Ophelia should move north across Ireland on Monday and head toward Britain late Monday or early Tuesday.

Dublin Airport said that, despite earlier reports, the airport is operational today, although up to 135 flights have been canceled on Aer Lingus, Ryanair, British Airways, Air France, CityJet, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Luxair and KLM. Taxis are continuing to operate to and from the airport, although Dublin Bus and Airlink have canceled services from 10 am to 7 pm. Bus Eireann services are also currently suspended.

Flight Change Waivers

American Airlines customers scheduled to travel through October 17 can rebook through October 20 between the same city pair in the same cabin (or pay the difference).

Delta customers scheduled to travel through October 16 can rebook for travel through October 23, with the new ticket to be reissued on or before October 18.

United Airlines will waive the change fee and any difference in fare for customers traveling through October 17 on all new flights departing on or before October 20, as long as travel is rescheduled in the originally ticketed cabin and between the same city pair.

Travelers on canceled Aer Lingus flights can change to another date of travel free of charge or request a full refund. Guests with Aer Lingus bookings October 16 can change to another date of travel within the next three days free of charge.

Guests on canceled Ryanair flights can apply for a full refund, which will be processed within seven business days, or change their flight without charge.

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