UK airports cancel, delay flights over heavy fog

Flights have been cancelled and delayed at UK’s busiest airports due to heavy fog.

Flights at Stansted Airport were reportedly affected by the weather conditions on Saturday and Sunday. There were also delays at Heathrow, Luton and Manchester Airports.

A spokesperson at Nats, the UK’s main air traffic control provider, said temporary air restrictions will continue on Sunday as fog envelopes airfields.

“While the weather conditions have improved, fog continues to affect some airports in London today,” the spokesperson said.

“Temporary air traffic restrictions are therefore in place at airfields with low visibility to maintain safety.

“Our teams are working closely with the airports and airlines to minimise disruption but passengers should check the status of their flight with their airline.”

The UK Meteorological Office has issued warnings effective Monday and Tuesday — with up to 140mm of rain, 20cm of snow and 60mph winds possible in the worst-affected areas during the run-up to New Year’s Eve.

Thousands of passengers arriving at London Gatwick Airport overnight reportedly experienced long delays.

An easyJet flight from Enfidha in Tunisia due at 11.10pm was over four hours late, and a British Airways jet from Lanzarote touched down at 3.03am, almost four hours behind schedule.

A Gatwick spokesperson said “temporary air traffic restrictions have been put in place due to fog causing poor visibility”.

The airport apologised for any inconvenience, adding that delays could last all day.

Manchester Airport reportedly had 22 cancellations, including six departures and arrivals.