Severe fog conditions continue to disrupt flights at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, with dozens of cancellations and delays reported on Saturday. The Met Office warns that the thick fog, reducing visibility to as low as 100 meters in some areas, is likely to persist throughout the weekend.
The UK’s main air traffic control provider, NATS, confirmed that “widespread” fog is affecting operations at multiple airports. So far, Heathrow has reported 20 flight cancellations and 29 delays on Saturday, while Gatwick has seen 26 delays and one cancellation, following significant disruptions on Friday.
Air Traffic Restrictions in Place
Both Heathrow and Gatwick have issued updates for passengers, advising them to check with their airlines before traveling. A spokesperson for Gatwick airport stated that air traffic restrictions remain in effect, apologizing for the inconvenience caused to travelers.
Flight-tracking websites like Flightradar24 and Cirium show significant delays for flights across the UK, with one Istanbul-Gatwick flight delayed by 10 hours. Dr. Shama Junejo, a passenger, described confusion among travelers, noting that some were provided with hotel accommodations while others were stranded at airports.
Fog’s Impact on Holiday Travel
The fog coincides with the busy holiday travel season, leaving many passengers facing extended delays. One traveler, Irem, shared that her flight from Cologne to Manchester was delayed by over six hours. “We’re lucky to still be visiting [family in north Wales] tomorrow,” she told the BBC.
Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick warned that the murky conditions are affecting much of England, particularly the southeast and central regions, as well as parts of the north. He advised motorists to drive cautiously in low-visibility areas and noted that fog patches may linger into Sunday morning.
Improved Conditions Expected Early Next Week
The Met Office expects the fog to clear by Sunday as winds pick up, helping to disperse the low cloud and improve visibility. However, forecasters warn that the remainder of the year will likely remain cloudy, wet, and windy, offering little respite for travelers seeking winter sunshine.
