Heavy fog continues to wreak havoc at some of the UK’s busiest airports for a second day, causing widespread delays and cancellations. By Saturday afternoon, most flights at Gatwick and Stansted were affected, with disruptions expected to extend into Sunday.
Manchester Airport also reported delays, while dozens of flights were disrupted earlier in the day at Heathrow and Birmingham.
The UK’s air traffic control provider, Nats, confirmed “temporary” air restrictions remain in place in areas with poor visibility.
Weather forecasters warn the fog is set to persist across much of England and Wales, with southern regions likely to see lingering low visibility.
Passengers are being urged to check their flight status as heavy fog continues to disrupt UK air travel for a second day. Drivers have also been warned to exercise caution on foggy roads.
Saturday’s travel chaos follows delays and cancellations on Friday caused by poor visibility. Gatwick Airport confirmed “temporary air traffic restrictions” are in place due to the fog, apologizing for the inconvenience and warning that delays could persist throughout the day.
Many travelers have been forced to extend their Christmas holidays unexpectedly. At Gatwick’s South Terminal, limited seating left stranded passengers sitting on the floor and stairs as they waited for updates.
James and Madison King, returning from Stockholm to Gatwick, shared their ordeal. Their flight on Friday evening was diverted to Dublin to refuel but was unable to continue to Gatwick due to crew flight time restrictions, forcing the plane to return to Stockholm.
“We’re hoping to make it back tonight—it’s my wife’s birthday tomorrow, and we have big plans,” Mr. King told the BBC.
Passengers are being urged to check their flight status as heavy fog continues to disrupt UK air travel for a second day. Drivers have also been warned to exercise caution on foggy roads.
Saturday’s travel chaos follows delays and cancellations on Friday caused by poor visibility. Gatwick Airport confirmed “temporary air traffic restrictions” are in place due to the fog, apologizing for the inconvenience and warning that delays could persist throughout the day.
Many travelers have been forced to extend their Christmas holidays unexpectedly. At Gatwick’s South Terminal, limited seating left stranded passengers sitting on the floor and stairs as they waited for updates.
James and Madison King, returning from Stockholm to Gatwick, shared their ordeal. Their flight on Friday evening was diverted to Dublin to refuel but was unable to continue to Gatwick due to crew flight time restrictions, forcing the plane to return to Stockholm.
“We’re hoping to make it back tonight—it’s my wife’s birthday tomorrow, and we have big plans,” Mr. King told the BBC.
Jonathan Risley and his wife, Janice, faced travel chaos after spending Christmas Day in Amsterdam. Their plans to return to the UK on Boxing Day were derailed as three consecutive flights were canceled due to heavy fog.
Now booked on a Sunday morning flight to Norwich, Mr. Risley hopes it will finally be “fourth time lucky.”
Their airline, KLM, provided accommodations for their three extra nights—each at a different hotel—but their checked luggage remains at Schiphol Airport, forcing them to buy new clothes.
Travel expert Jo Rhodes from Which? reminded passengers that if a flight is canceled, they are entitled to either a refund or rerouting on the next available flight. “Airlines can be hesitant to book you on a competitor’s flight, but don’t hesitate to insist on it if it’s faster,” she advised.
Data from Flightradar24 revealed widespread disruption on Friday, with dozens of outbound flights canceled and hundreds delayed across the UK.
In one incident, a Ryanair flight from Alicante to Teesside was diverted to Dublin due to the fog. Airports in Manchester, Glasgow, and Cardiff also experienced significant delays and cancellations.
National Highways, which manages the UK’s motorways and major A-roads, stated that the foggy conditions were not causing significant disruption to its network. However, they reminded drivers to use dipped headlights, wipers, and demisters when driving in fog.
Fog forms when a cloud forms near the ground, creating a damp feeling. It typically occurs when the air is saturated with moisture, often following rain.
Saturday’s widespread fog, mist, and low cloud are expected to clear later in the day, with much clearer conditions predicted for Sunday, bringing sunny spells to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The Met Office advised travelers to allow extra time for their journeys and cautioned drivers to maintain increased braking distance in areas with poor visibility.