EasyJet and British Airways have cancelled flights from Gatwick Airport today due to fog, which has limited visibility at major UK airpots since Friday causing widespread travel disruption
Gatwick Airport announced continued flight restrictions for the fourth consecutive day amid heavy fog, causing significant disruption to travellers’ plans.
The airport confirmed over 20 flights scheduled for Monday have been cancelled throughout the day with passengers warned of ongoing delays. Among those cancelled today are easyJet services from Geneva, Nice and Rennes, and a British Airways flight from Algiers.
The disruption is the latest in a string of delays of cancellations which have been plaguing UK airports since Friday, when a heavy fog descended, limiting visibility for pilots flying from the UK’s busiest airports including Gatwick, Manchester and Heathrow. Tens of thousands of passengers saw their Christmas travel disrupted as thick fog descended on airports from London and Cardiff to Edinburgh and Teesside. The continued issues today may cause problems for those looking to travel for celebrations ahead of New Year’s Eve tomorrow.
Almost every flight from Manchester airport was delayed throughout Friday, with the majority being held back by over two hours. And then on Saturday it was Gatwick that appeared to be worst affected. One person wrote on X: “Inside a plane in Malaga waiting for Gatwick to authorise our take off due to fog.” Another said: “Three hour delay at Gatwick due to fog. I won’t be planning again to go on holiday after Christmas, I arrived at my destination at 3am and hope to rest.”
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This morning a London Gatwick spokesperson said: “Temporary air traffic restrictions have been put in place due to fog causing poor visibility.”
The fog is forecast to lift around Gatwick this morning as a light breeze and spells of sunshine arrive, before cloud settles in later today. While the visibility issues may soon pass, pilots and crews will be out of position in some cases, causing a knock on impact for some of those flying into and out of the country.
A spokesperson for Nats, a provider of air traffic control services, told the BBC: “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.”
If you are impacted by the cancellations or by a lengthy delay today, make sure that you know your rights. Passengers with more than a two-hour delay might get access to support services, including meals or potentially overnight accommodation.
While the fog is due to depart the UK today, the country will continue to be impacted by inclement weather. The Met Office forecasts wet weather and snow in Scotland today, and plenty of cloud elsewhere with patchy light rain in the west. Later today parts of the country including the Pennines will be lashed by strong winds. Heavy rain and snow will hit on Tuesday, potentially causing more disruption at airports and on the roads and rails.