For the third day in a row, passengers at Gatwick Airport are experiencing significant flight delays due to dense fog affecting air traffic. The fog has caused ongoing disruptions across the UK’s busiest airports, with Gatwick particularly impacted as it faces one of its busiest travel days of the holiday season. On what is expected to be the airport’s peak day during the Christmas period, with 769 flights scheduled, passengers have been warned to expect delays, particularly in the morning hours when visibility remains poor.
The UK’s main air traffic control provider, Nats, has implemented temporary air restrictions at some London airports to ensure safety, further contributing to delays. While the weather is gradually improving, with BBC Weather reporting that the fog is less extensive and dense compared to previous days, central and southern England, as well as parts of Wales, continue to be affected by low visibility. This is expected to improve by Sunday afternoon, but the impact on travel will likely continue for some time.
While Gatwick has not canceled any flights, the disruption has been considerable, with many flights delayed due to the weather conditions. Passengers are advised to check their flight statuses before heading to the airport, as the ripple effects of the delays could continue throughout the day. Although the fog is expected to lift, there remains the possibility of further disruption as planes and pilots try to catch up with previous delays and cancellations.
Heathrow Airport has largely managed to avoid the worst of the fog, operating as normal despite some minor delays and cancellations earlier in the day. It is still unclear whether these delays were directly linked to the fog or other operational factors. Meanwhile, Stansted and Luton airports have reported no significant weather-related issues and are running on schedule.
Other major airports like Manchester, Glasgow, and Cardiff also experienced flight disruptions on Friday and Saturday, with both cancellations and delays affecting hundreds of passengers. With the Christmas period bringing a surge in travel, the ongoing disruptions have tested the patience of many air travelers, who are urged to remain vigilant and check their flight information before making their way to the airports.
As the fog continues to lift and air traffic controllers work to mitigate delays, passengers are urged to stay updated on the latest information and prepare for the possibility of additional delays. The busy holiday travel period is expected to continue, and with weather-related disruptions still a concern, travelers may need to plan for additional waiting times.
