Travellers faced significant disruptions on Saturday as bad weather combined with the festive season getaway created a “perfect storm.”
Cancellations and delays affected flights, ferries, and roads, with strong winds sweeping across the UK and yellow weather warnings issued by the Met Office.
Flight Cancellations at Heathrow
Heathrow Airport confirmed a “small number” of flight cancellations due to strong winds and airspace restrictions.
A spokesperson reassured passengers that these measures were necessary to ensure the majority could travel safely, urging travellers to check with their airlines for updates.
British Airways also reported a limited number of cancellations, offering free flight changes for short-haul passengers and rebooking or refunds for affected customers.
Ferries Cancelled Amid High Winds
P&O Ferries suspended all sailings between Larne and Cairnryan for at least 24 hours. The company advised customers to avoid travelling to the ports to prevent congestion.
Similarly, Caledonian MacBrayne cancelled sailings on 21 routes along Scotland’s west coast, while NorthLink Ferries scrapped services between Aberdeen, Orkney, and Shetland.
Roads Packed with Millions of Drivers
The AA predicted record-breaking traffic, with 23.7 million car journeys on Friday and 22.7 million on Saturday.
The RAC estimated seven million leisure trips over the weekend, with hotspots on major routes, including the M25, M1, and M5. Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at the RAC, urged drivers to be patient and allow extra travel time.
Severe Weather Warnings
The Met Office forecasted 50-60mph gusts, with some areas experiencing winds of up to 80mph, particularly in northern Scotland.
Coastal districts, including Orkney, faced dangerous conditions with large waves and potential ferry cancellations.
Blustery showers, turning to snow in higher regions of north-west Scotland, were expected from Saturday evening into Sunday, with icy conditions at lower levels.
Strong winds and adverse weather were set to spread across much of the UK on Sunday, including London, the Midlands, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Rail Services Affected
ScotRail implemented speed restrictions on routes between Glasgow and Oban, Glasgow and Mallaig, and Inverness to Kyle and Wick.
The measures aim to ensure passenger safety amidst challenging weather conditions.
Travel Advice
Authorities have advised all travellers to monitor updates, plan ahead, and exercise caution. With Christmas just days away, patience and preparation will be essential for those embarking on their journeys during this turbulent period.
