UK Airports Disrupted by Thick Fog
Heavy fog continues to cause chaos at major UK airports, leading to numerous flight cancellations and delays at Heathrow and Gatwick. The thick fog, which severely limits visibility, is expected to persist through the weekend, impacting travelers across the country.
The Met Office has issued warnings about the fog, with some areas experiencing visibility as low as 100 meters. Nats, the UK’s main air traffic control provider, has reported that several airports are still affected by the “widespread” fog, resulting in ongoing air restrictions due to poor visibility.
Flight Cancellations and Delays
According to reports, Heathrow airport has already seen 20 flight cancellations and 29 delays on Saturday, while Gatwick has reported 26 delays and one cancellation. The situation worsened after a series of cancellations on Friday, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated.
Flightradar24, a flight-tracking website, revealed that dozens of flights across the UK were canceled on Friday, with hundreds more facing delays. Gatwick airport officials have confirmed that air traffic restrictions remain in place, warning passengers of potential delays throughout the day.
Passenger Experiences
Irem, a 36-year-old traveler, shared her ordeal of a six-hour delay on a flight from Cologne to Manchester due to fog in the north of England. Despite the setback, she remained optimistic about reuniting with her husband’s family in north Wales the next day.
Another passenger, Dr. Shama Junejo, recounted the chaos at airports, with one flight from Istanbul to Gatwick delayed by 10 hours. The confusion left some passengers stranded without clear information, highlighting the challenges faced by travelers during this turbulent period.
Weather Forecast and Advice
The Met Office meteorologist, Liam Eslick, emphasized the need for caution while driving in foggy conditions. He assured that the fog would gradually clear by Sunday, with winds expected to help disperse the cloudy and murky weather.
Looking ahead, Eslick predicted a decrease in foggy conditions in the coming days but warned against expecting much winter sunshine. While the weather may improve slightly, wet and windy conditions are likely to persist across the country, tempering hopes for a drastic change in the forecast.