Bristol Airport delays today after wild lighting storm ground planes overnight

Bristol Airport flight delays are still affecting passengers today after thunderstorms caused major issues yesterday. Aircraft could not take off for several hours as severe weather hit the southwest. Some passengers received advice to verify their journeys before setting off.

Thunderstorms ground planes at Bristol Airport yesterday

Severe thunderstorms brought frequent lightning strikes, heavy rain and strong, blustery winds to the Bristol area on Monday evening. Met Office forecasters issued a yellow warning that covered the period until 9pm with risks of hail and localised flooding. Travel monitors confirmed flights remained grounded due to flash storms. Five flights carrying around 850 passengers diverted to Gatwick Airport. EasyJet arranged coach transfers to bring those passengers back to Bristol. Lightning appeared across the sky above the city while storm researchers at TORRO said there was a small risk of a tornado.

Forecasters said that storms moved quickly, with some places seeing 20 to 25 millimetres of rainfall in short periods. Impacts came mainly from lightning striking buildings, causing power cuts, plus difficult driving conditions in heavy rain and localised damage from wind gusts or hail.

A very impressive storm fired quickly over western Somerset, with lightning rates now exceeding 100 strikes per minute! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/iOtHImp1w4

— UK Thunderstorm Updates (@UKStormUpdates) June 22, 2026

Ongoing delays hit travellers at Bristol Airport today

Delays continue for several flights into today despite operations resuming at the airport. TUI TOM6164 now departs at 1.35pm after missing its 5.25pm slot yesterday. TUI TOM6104, bound for Palma, now leaves at 2pm. Jet2 LS1891 to Tenerife faces a delay until 4pm. EasyJet departure to Milan Malpensa Airport shifts from 6.20am to 1.10pm. Flights arriving overnight from Burgas and Tenerife reached Bristol in the early morning hours after holds. Ten services, including routes to Faro, Menorca and Malaga, left Bristol this morning.

Airport staff are working to clear the backlog, but travellers should expect possible further delays on some routes until later in the day. Checking flight status via airline apps or websites remains essential before travel to the airport.

Airport engineers fix communication fault after storms

Engineers at Bristol Airport are tackling a fault in air traffic control communications systems damaged during wild weather. The BBC reports efforts to restore normal service after thunderstorms affected West Country operations. Travellers should monitor updates closely as recovery progresses throughout the day.

Full schedule restoration depends on quick resolution of the technical issues reported by airport engineers.

Lightning strike causes house fire in Emerson Green

Lightning strikes were so bad that they set a house roof on fire in Emerson Green on Monday evening. Flames engulfed the roof, with thick smoke filling the sky. Firefighters arrived rapidly and helped all occupants escape without injury. Video from the scene shows crews using hoses to control the blaze.

Fire crews are at the scene of a house fire in Emersons Green this evening – after it was reportedly struck by lightning.

Witnesses living nearby tell us everyone managed to get out safely.

📷by Karen who lives near the scene pic.twitter.com/10FMqgKhdZ

— Greatest Hits Radio South West News (@GHRSouthWest) June 22, 2026

Witnesses at the scene reported the fire brigade arrived quickly with everyone getting out safely.