UK: The UK’s major airports have been hit by severe delays and cancellations for the second consecutive day due to persistent heavy fog. Gatwick and Stansted were among the worst affected, with disruptions expected. Heathrow, Birmingham, and Manchester also reported significant delays, causing widespread inconvenience for travellers.
Passengers have been urged to check their flight status before travelling, as visibility issues persist to cause problems. The UK’s air traffic control provider, Nats, stated that temporary air restrictions stay in place for areas with low visibility, with the situation being closely monitored.
At Gatwick’s South Terminal, frustrated passengers were seen sitting on the floor and stairs due to a lack of seating. Elif Arjin Celik described the area as overcrowded, with long waits for toilets and insufficient food options. Meanwhile, James King and his wife Madison faced considerable delays yielding from Stockholm after their plane was diverted to Dublin before returning to Sweden due to crew time restrictions.
Other passengers reported being left in limbo as their flights were cancelled or rescheduled. Jonathan Risley and his wife Janice, returning from Amsterdam, had three flights cancelled before managing to rebook. With their luggage stuck at Schiphol Airport, the couple had to buy new clothes while staying in different hotels provided by their airline.
Travel experts have reminded passengers of their rights, including the option to be repaid or rerouted on the next available flight. Airlines are also required to cover accommodation costs and may need to book flights with competitors if they can offer quicker alternatives.
Road travel has been less affected, but drivers are being warned to take extra precautions in the foggy conditions. The Met Office has advised allowing additional travel time and leaving extra braking distance on foggy roads.
While conditions are predicted to remain challenging, the Met Office predicts clearer skies and sunny spells across much of the UK. Passengers are urged to stay revised on travel advisories and plan accordingly.
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