London’s major airports are facing significant travel disruption as thick fog blankets the capital, leading to over 400 flight delays and 34 cancellations. The adverse weather has caused widespread inconvenience for passengers during the busy festive season.
Widespread delays and cancellations
The dense fog has prompted temporary air traffic restrictions at several UK airports, including London Gatwick, Heathrow, and Manchester. These measures are being enforced by the UK’s primary air traffic control provider, Nats, to ensure passenger safety.
Gatwick, the UK’s second-busiest airport, has reported approximately 300 delayed flights. A Gatwick spokesperson stated:
“Temporary air traffic restrictions have been put in place due to fog causing poor visibility. Some flights may be delayed throughout the day. London Gatwick apologises for any inconvenience. Passengers should contact their airline for further information.”
At Heathrow, nearly 500 flights have experienced delays, with 35 cancellations confirmed, according to data from FlightAware. While it remains unclear how many of these disruptions are directly related to the fog, the sheer volume has added to the chaos.
Safety comes first
A spokesperson for Nats explained the necessity of the restrictions:
“Due to widespread fog, temporary air traffic restrictions are in place at several airports across the UK today. Restrictions of this sort are only ever applied to maintain safety.
“We continue to monitor the situation and have a Met Office expert embedded within our operation to ensure we have the latest available information. Our teams are working closely with the airports and airlines to minimise disruption.”
Impact on passengers
Manchester Airport, the third busiest in the UK, has also been affected. A spokesperson confirmed:
“Like most airports across the country, we have experienced some delays as a result of fog. In most instances, these delays have been short and have not caused disruption to our schedule. Passengers due to travel should prepare as normal and aim to arrive at the airport in line with their airline’s advice — this is usually two hours ahead of a short-haul flight and three hours ahead of a long-haul flight.”
Despite the challenges, airport staff are working tirelessly to manage schedules and keep passengers informed.
Motorists advised to exercise caution
The fog has also impacted road travel across parts of the UK. National Highways, which manages the country’s motorways and major A-roads, reported that while the misty weather has not significantly affected its network, drivers should take precautions.
Motorists are advised to:
- Use dipped headlights for better visibility.
- Ensure wipers and demisters are functioning properly.
- Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
Weather outlook
The Met Office predicts that the fog will persist in London and other areas throughout Friday evening, with the possibility of frost forming overnight. Saturday is expected to be another gloomy day, with patchy drizzle and slow clearing of mist and fog.
The combination of adverse weather conditions and increased holiday travel has created a perfect storm for disruption, leaving many passengers stranded or delayed.
Preparing for travel
Passengers travelling during this period are advised to check the status of their flights with airlines before heading to the airport. Arriving early and staying informed about updates can help mitigate some of the inconvenience caused by these unavoidable delays.
As the weather is expected to improve in the coming days, travellers and airport authorities alike hope for a return to smoother operations soon. For now, patience and preparation remain key.
