Loganair storm cancellations leave scores of Shetlanders stranded

Disruption overview

Scores of Shetlanders have been left on mainland Scotland after Storm Boelo triggered widespread flight cancellations, with some paying hundreds of pounds for hotels in Aberdeen or trying alternative airports without success.

Loganair is offering free changes for Tuesday, 27 October 2026 flights to and from Sumburgh Airport and other Scottish airports as another strong-wind warning threatens further disruption. Canceled NorthLink Ferries sailings and heavy demand for cabins have also limited alternatives, while Shetland MSP Hannah Mary Goodlad is due to meet Loganair's chief executive later this week.

Weather-related compensation is unlikely, but if you're affected, you can still ask about refunds, rebooking, and care.

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Disruption details

Storm Boelo has disrupted Loganair travel to and from Shetland, leaving scores of islanders stranded on mainland Scotland after weekend flight cancellations. The disruption remained ongoing with passengers traveling through Sumburgh Airport facing further uncertainty ahead of another wind warning for Tuesday 27 October.

For passengers, this has meant more than a delayed return home. Some have spent hundreds of pounds on hotels in Aberdeen, struggled to rebook online, or traveled to alternative airports only to find their replacement flights were canceled too.

Amber weather warnings across much of mainland Scotland triggered widespread cancellations over the weekend. Scores of flights were canceled, with the effects spreading across connecting travel plans and limiting the options available to people trying to reach Shetland.

Some travelers hired cars to reach other airports in the hope of finding a route home. Others were told there were no flights available until Tuesday, 27 October, leaving them facing additional overnight stays. Passengers also struggled to obtain financial support for food and accommodation.

Traveling by sea wasn't a straightforward alternative. NorthLink Ferries canceled its Sunday night passenger and freight sailings, further restricting travel options. Some people hoping to return by ferry couldn't secure cabins because flight cancellations had increased demand.

Loganair offered free flight changes during the disruption. It's also allowing passengers booked to travel to or from Sumburgh and other Scottish airports on Tuesday, 27 October, to change their flights at no extra cost.

A further yellow weather warning for strong winds across much of mainland Scotland is expected on Tuesday, bringing the prospect of more disruption. If you're booked to travel, Loganair's free-change option may give you flexibility to adjust your plans.

Shetland MSP Hannah Mary Goodlad is due to meet Loganair chief executive Luke Farajallah later this week following the disruption and the difficulties passengers have faced getting home.

Because these cancellations were caused by severe weather outside the airline's control, compensation under UK 261 is unlikely. That doesn't mean you're without support: if your flight's canceled, you can ask about rebooking or a refund, while care and assistance can include food, refreshments, and accommodation when an overnight stay is necessary.

If you're still waiting to travel, ask Loganair what support it can arrange for your circumstances. AirHelp's free flight checker can also help you understand whether compensation could apply to your particular disruption.

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