Airlines hope to resume NY flights

Transatlantic flights are still suffering the effects of superstorm Sandy.

Aer Lingus has cancelled at least two flights today, with more updates expected later.

Passengers are advised to check with their airline before going to the airport.

Meanwhile, the New York Port Authority has said JFK and Newark Airports will open today, with a limited service.

British Airways had to axe most of its services to New York and Newark today, but hopes to get flights away to both cities later today.

Virgin Atlantic, whose services have also been disrupted, is also hoping to fly to the two cities today.

BA was able to operate normal services today to four other US east coast cities - Boston, Baltimore, Washington DC and Philadelphia.

BA said: “Customer safety with regards to Hurricane Sandy remains our highest priority and following advice from the US authorities we are cancelling the majority of flights to and from New York and Newark on Wednesday.

Customers with confirmed flights only should come to the airport. We are doing all we can to help customers whose flights have been cancelled and will look to use larger aircraft on some routes when the full flying schedule resumes to help get customers to their correct destination as quickly as we can.

“Customers should continue to check ba.com for the very latest information.”

Virgin Atlantic said it would be resuming its New York and Newark services, with the first flight due to leave Heathrow for New York around noon.

Virgin is also putting on an extra flight which will leave Heathrow for New York around 1.50pm today and fly back from the hurricane-hit city later.

Virgin had to axe its VS18 service from Newark and its VS26 flight from New York today. These would have landed at Heathrow this evening.

However, the airline was able to operate normal services today to and from Boston and Washington DC.

A Virgin spokeswoman said: “We continue to thank our passengers for their patience and apologise for the inconvenience caused to their journey.

“We advise all passengers to check our website www.virginatlantic.com for the latest updates and advice on rebooking their flights.”