Gatwick Airport and other UK airports are facing significant operational disruptions as thick fog wreaks havoc on holiday travel plans. With millions taking to the skies during the festive season, the weather conditions have turned the airports—with Gatwick, Heathrow, and Manchester being the busiest—into places of chaos and long delays.
Starting around December 27, 2024, passengers reported severe delays, with many flights from Gatwick experiencing holds of around two hours. Some travelers even faced cancellations as adverse weather conditions affected visibility, leading to air traffic restrictions implemented for safety reasons. According to NATS, the UK’s air traffic control provider, they are continuously monitoring the situation with weather experts to minimize disruptions.
The chaos did not go unnoticed by those affected. One passenger took to social media to voice their frustration, stating, “@British_Airways an absolute disgrace tonight at @Gatwick_Airport Cancelled flight, then left passengers stranded in departures with no way to leave airport and collect luggage. No communication, nobody on the counters. Complete shambles.” The sentiment was echoed by numerous travelers who had been stuck for hours without clear guidance on their flights.
Among the affected was John Mitchell, who found himself anxiously waiting for news about his flight back to Aberdeen after the death of his father. “I was actually supposed to be in London till Sunday, but I’ve had a family bereavement. My dad passed away this morning,” he shared with the PA news agency. His flight was delayed by over three hours, leaving him feeling “absolutely devastated.”
Meanwhile, at Manchester Airport, the situation was similarly dire. Almost every departure was delayed, with some flights being pushed back by over four hours. Which led to travel plans being thrown under the bus for many. For example, flights to popular destinations such as Guernsey, Dublin, Munich, and Hurghada also saw delays of more than four hours. This chain of delays caught the attention of many, raising concerns about how the holiday plans could be salvaged for both leisure and business travelers.
EasyJet, the UK's biggest low-cost airline, was also caught up in the operational mayhem, stating through a spokesperson, “While this is outside of our control, we are doing all we can to minimize the impact of the delays.” Such measures, though well-intentioned, did little to soothe the frayed nerves of travelers who had their plans disrupted during the busy travel season.
The situation was worsened by the fact many passengers were unaware of the expected delays until they had already checked at the airport. Reports surfaced from various travelers indicating long security lines, lack of communication from airline staff, and insufficient support to manage such chaotic circumstances.
At Heathrow, the largest airport in the UK, many passengers met similar fates, with cancellations and multiple hours of delays reported for numerous flights. Various airlines within the airport have announced cancellations as flying curfews came closer to affecting night operations.
The frustration did not end with just delays; Eurostar services were also impacted, with passengers stuck on trains for extended periods across the Channel Tunnel. During one congested travel day, travelers on the London to Paris train faced multiple hours of delay, considerably increasing travel time and exacerbated traveler frustrations.
For many flying to meet family or partake in end-of-year celebrations, the fog's impact was significant. For inflation-strapped passengers and holiday planners, this chain of delays and cancellations added extra layers of stress during what should be joyful times.
Air traffic control measures enforced due to foggy conditions have emphasized safety protocols. A NATS spokesperson articulated, “Due to widespread fog, temporary air traffic restrictions are in place at several airports across the UK today. Restrictions of this sort are only ever applied to maintain safety.” Such statements highlight the importance of safety above all, though they leave passengers feeling stranded.
With fog causing operational issues at Gatwick, Heathrow, and Manchester, airline travelers are left with little choice but to exercise patience. Each hour spent waiting for changing flight statuses counts for thousands of people hoping to start their new year’s celebrations with family and friends.
For now, travelers are advised to stay updated on their flight statuses and to contact their airlines for the latest updates. Airports, ever dedicated to rectifying the logistical quagmire, continue their work to return flights to normal. Given the current visibility forecasts, it remains uncertain when travel operations will fully stabilize, leaving many hopeful for smoother skies in the days to come.