Heavy fog has caused substantial difficulties at UK airports, especially during the busy Christmas season. As of December 28, 2024, visibility has decreased to as low as 100 meters in sections of South East and Central England, resulting in a slew of aircraft cancellations and delays at major airports like Gatwick, Heathrow, and Manchester.
Gatwick Airport had significant disruption, with almost 40 planes delayed on Saturday morning alone. On Friday night, travelers faced up to three-hour delays, with some aircraft arriving as late as nine hours. EasyJet and Turkish Airlines were among the most severely impacted, with several flights incurring substantial delays or diversions.
A Gatwick representative confirmed that temporary air traffic restrictions had been introduced owing to the fog, and they regretted any disruption caused to passengers.
Heathrow Airport, another key hub, had similar problems. As of Saturday morning, the airport had canceled 20 planes and delayed 29 more. Passengers were encouraged to check their flight statuses on a frequent basis owing to continued weather-related concerns.
The fog caused delays at Manchester Airport, affecting 16 flights and 27 arrivals. National Air Traffic Services (NATS) reported that temporary air traffic restrictions were in effect at many UK airports owing to poor visibility.
The weather has hampered air travel and train services across the UK. Major rail stations in London, including Liverpool Street and Paddington, were closed due to engineering work and fog-related delays. The National Rail service cautioned customers that trains might be canceled or delayed for up to 40 minutes.
The Met Office has warned about continuous fog anticipated to last over the weekend, especially in the South East and central England. Meteorologists predict that although visibility may improve somewhat on Sunday, thick fog may continue to hamper visibility severely in certain regions.
Travelers are asked to be attentive and check with their airlines for the most recent flight information. NATS highlighted that air traffic restrictions are being introduced strictly for safety reasons and that they are working closely with airlines and airports to reduce inconvenience.
As the Christmas season begins, it is vital for passengers to prepare properly, giving additional time for travel and being informed about any delays or cancellations.
The persistent fog conditions have created a difficult situation for UK passengers during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. With further interruptions likely at major airports and train systems, customers must keep informed about their travel plans as they negotiate the weather-related mayhem.
Post a Comment