UK airports are currently grappling with substantial flight disruptions caused by dense fog hovering over the region as millions prepare to travel over the New Year holiday. Heathrow and Gatwick, the country's busiest airports, have become focal points for travel chaos, with numerous flights delayed or canceled due to poor visibility.
According to the BBC, thick fog has blanketed parts of the UK for several days, significantly affecting travel plans as visibility at Gatwick was reported to be as low as 1.5 km at one point. A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport stated, "Temporary air traffic restrictions have been put in place due to fog causing poor visibility. Some flights may be delayed throughout the day," echoing similar sentiments from Heathrow where 22 flights were canceled and over 1,000 delayed. This disruption has left many travelers scrambling to adapt their plans.
The situation worsened throughout the weekend, particularly on December 28, when numerous flights were grounded or delayed at both Gatwick and Manchester. Various airlines such as easyJet, British Airways, and Wizz Air saw significant disturbances. Just on one day, reports indicated delays of over two hours for flights at Manchester. According to The Mirror, Friday brought conditions so poor for travelers with visibility dropping to 100 meters overnight.
Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick remarked on the travel chaos, noting, “It’s the time of year when people are traveling around the country, and there’s a lot of fog covering much of England, mainly the South East and central regions.” With England facing murky conditions, travelers have been advised to exercise caution on the road and check their flight statuses to prevent possible complications.
Air traffic control provider Nats has emphasized the necessity of the restrictions, affirming, "Restrictions of this sort are only ever applied to maintain safety." They are closely monitoring the situation and have experts from the Met Office embedded within their operation, ensuring they receive the latest information on weather developments.
Reports have continued to pour from frustrated passengers describing their experiences, underscoring the extent of the disruption. One traveler traveling from Cologne faced delays lasting nearly seven hours at Gatwick, expressing her dismay over the chaotic travel situation: "We've started boarding but are crammed... it’s just been a bit of a nightmare. I am from Cologne... we are about to have a delayed Christmas and New Year with my husband's family."
While conditions appear murky and visibility has remained low, forecasters predict some improvement as the holiday weekend draws to a close. Eslick indicated expectations of improving weather, saying, “Conditions are expected to look significantly clearer on Sunday with sunny spells across much of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.”
Despite hopes for returning to normalcy, travelers are reminded to remain vigilant and proactive about their plans. Gatwick and Heathrow airports have urged passengers to stay updated on flight statuses and to allow extra time for their journeys to the airport.
Car drivers have also been advised to drive carefully, with fog creating dangerous travel conditions on many roads. Motorists faced challenges with visibility dropping alarmingly low, showing the widespread effect of the weather on both aviation and ground transport.
The entire aviation community is on high alert as they continue to manage the fallout from this dense fog situation. Many are optimistic but realistic about potential continued delays as the Met Office continues to monitor weather systems. Passengers traveling at this time should prepare for unexpected changes to their travel itineraries.
Overall, the significant disruptions caused by the fog during one of the busiest travel seasons is layered with the difficulties brought upon by sudden weather changes, highlighting the importance of remaining informed and adaptable during such chaotic times.
