Travel advice for British holidaymakers as Hurricane Irma sweeps across the Caribbean

As Hurricane Irma ravages across the Caribbean, British holidaymakers are facing major disruption to their travel plans.

The category four hurricane is the most powerful Atlantic Ocean storm in recorded history, bringing with it sustained winds of 185mph.

Thousands of British tourists that are in the region have been urged to follow any evacuation orders if they are on an island in Irma's path.

States of emergency have been declared in Cuba, Puerto Rico and Florida - as experts warn the storm could hit Miami directly.

UK travel firms and airlines operating to affected destinations such as Antigua, St Kitts, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, or Orlando have been offering advice to customers whose flights have been affected.

The British travel association ABTA has advised anyone on a package holiday in the Caribbean or Florida to keep in close contact with their travel provider, to monitor news reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Flights to popular tourist destinations have been affected by adverse weather conditions Credit: AP

Those who have travelled independently are also advised to keep up to date with the latest information.

ABTA has also urged anyone due to travel imminently to the region to check with their travel firm or airline to establish if their holiday itinerary or flights are affected.

  • Thomas Cook

Thomas Cook say they are offering free of charge amendments or cancellations for customers travelling to the Cuba, Dominican Republic, Miami, Florida Keys and Orlando up to and including Sunday 10 September.

It is evacuating customers from a number of resorts and says those already holidaying in an affected area can get an early flight home at no extra charge if they have seats available.

Anyone due to travel during this time is urged to call 01733 224 536 to discuss their travel arrangements.

Thomas Cook, which now doesn't have stores, say they will be able to refund customers if needed. Credit: PA

  • Thomson and First Choice

Thomson and First Choice cancelled several flights to the Dominican Republic and Cuba on Thursday, with most been rescheduled to Friday.

Anyone due to travel on these flights have been advised they can cancel or amend them free of charge.

People due to travel to Sanford Florida up to and including Sunday 10th September have been told they can re-book their holiday if they wish.

Any customers due to travel to Florida, Dominican Republic and Cuba in the coming days are also urged to check the website regularly for updates.

Thousands of British tourists in the Caribbean have been urged to follow any evacuation orders. Credit: AP

  • British Airways

British Airways said it is "doing all we can" to get their customers to their final destinations.

Anyone booked to fly with them to Antigua, Grand Cayman, Nassau, St Kitts, Punta Cana, Tobago or Providentiales or before 10 September and wishes to change their travel plans should contact the airline for a range of re-booking options available to them.

The airline is also allowing customers to rebook or exchange flights to or from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, or Orlando between 7 and 17 September.

Some flights to the Caribbean and Florida have been affected. Credit: PA

  • Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays

Any Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays customers booked to travel to, from or through Antigua, Havana, Orlando and Miami between the 7th and 14th September can change their flights to a later date or alternative destination travelling on or before 14th October, subject to availability.

Travellers who are already in affected destinations are also being offered early flights home.

Flights into Florida are also being severely disrupted between at least the 8th to the 11th of September.

Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights on the airline's website before they travel to the airport.

Virgin Atlantic has said the safety and comfort of its customers is its 'top priority'. Credit: PA

What has the Foreign Office said?

The UK Foreign Office has advised Britons in the hurricane's path to monitor its website and follow any advice issued by local officials as the storm progresses through the region.

Anyone who is concerned about friends of family in the affected area can also call a special Foreign Office hotline on 020 7008 0000.

The Government has made £12 million available immediately to help with the relief effort.

Foreign Office Minister Sir Alan Duncan has said the UK is doing its "utmost" to bring urgent assistance.