Travellers at UK airports warned as fog disrupts flights

1 week ago 6

Reuters Passengers queue for security screening in the departures area of Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport.Reuters

Many flights out of Manchester Airport have been delayed by foggy weather

Passengers at some of the country's busiest airports, including Gatwick and Manchester, are facing widespread disruption due to fog.

The UK's main air traffic control provider, Nats, said the flow of flights was being reduced for safety reasons.

"Due to widespread fog, temporary air traffic restrictions are in place at several airports across the UK today," Nats said.

Dozens of flights from Heathrow were also delayed or cancelled but a spokeswoman for the airport, contacted by the BBC, did not clarify whether the disruption was due to the weather.

EPA Joggers run through thick fog at the Pier Head in LiverpoolEPA

Parts of the UK have been covered with a thick fog on Friday

Passengers should check the status of their flight with their airline and airport, Nats added.

"Restrictions of this sort are only ever applied to maintain safety," Nats said, adding staff were working "closely with the airports and airlines to minimise disruption".

"We continue to monitor the situation and have a Met Office expert embedded within our operation to ensure we have the latest available information."

The mist and fog is expected to clear slowly on Saturday, according to the latest Met Office forecast.

Fog has caused problems at airports in Jersey and Guernsey too.

Forecasters are also warning of "significant disruption" in the build-up to Hogmanay, with a yellow weather warning for heavy rain issued for nearly all of Scotland from 30 December.

EPA A person takes photographs through thick fog at the Pier Head in LiverpoolEPA

The fog did not stop people from venturing outside in Liverpool for a post-Christmas walk

Some passengers at Manchester Airport are facing delays of up to two hours.

"Like most airports across the country, we have experienced some delays as a result of fog," a spokesperson said.

Passengers have been told to arrive at the airport "as normal", as most delays "have been short and have not caused disruption to our schedule," they added.

A London Gatwick spokesperson said temporary air traffic restrictions had been put in place due to fog causing poor visibility.

"Some flights may be delayed throughout the day," they added.

"London Gatwick apologises for any inconvenience. Passengers should contact their airline for further information."

Meanwhile, National Highways, which runs the UK's motorways and busiest A-roads, said the misty weather was not having a significant impact on its network.

It reminded motorists to use dipped headlights, wipers and demisters while driving in foggy conditions.

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