Festive travel chaos erupts at key UK airports as fog grounds flights across Britain
Widespread fog has triggered major disruption at Britain’s busiest airports, with dozens of flights cancelled and hundreds more delayed across the country.
Passengers at Gatwick, Manchester and Heathrow airports are facing significant travel disruption as air traffic restrictions have been implemented due to poor visibility.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 shows numerous outbound and inbound flights have been cancelled at all three major airports.
The UK’s air traffic control provider, Nats, has been forced to reduce the flow of flights for safety reasons.
The disruption comes during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with both domestic and international services affected by the adverse weather conditions.
“Due to widespread fog, temporary air traffic restrictions are in place at several airports across the UK today,” Nats said in a statement.
The air traffic control provider emphasised that “restrictions of this sort are only ever applied to maintain safety”.
Nats confirmed its staff were working “closely with the airports and airlines to minimise disruption” across affected airports.
Passengers have been advised to check their flight status before travelling to airports, particularly at Heathrow – where last-minute delays are possible due to the poor weather conditions.
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A Manchester Airport spokesman said they had “experienced some delays as a result of fog” but advised passengers to arrive “as normal” as most delays had been short.
The spokesman added that these brief delays “have not caused disruption to our schedule.”
London Gatwick confirmed temporary air traffic restrictions were in place due to poor visibility conditions.
“Some flights may be delayed throughout the day,” a Gatwick spokesman said – and apologised for any inconvenience.
Passengers at Gatwick have been advised to contact their airlines directly for further information.
The fog has also impacted airports in Jersey and Guernsey, causing additional disruption to regional travel.
The persistent conditions have been caused by a slow-moving area of high pressure trapping low cloud and fog.
The Met Office forecasts that the mist and fog will clear slowly on Saturday, particularly during the afternoon when some sunshine may break through.
While forecasters in Scotland have warned of “significant disruption” ahead of Hogmanay, with a yellow weather warning for heavy rain issued across most of the country from December 30.
On the ground, National Highways reports minimal impact on motorways and major A-roads, but reminds drivers to use dipped headlights, wipers and demisters in foggy conditions.