Fog Disrupts Over 20 Flights at Heathrow Airport

By Ivan PetrenkoMay 19, 2024 11:32 AMNews
Share:
Airplane wing above foggy landscape with shadow on the ground
Fog causes severe flight delays and cancellations. Source: unsplash

On an early foggy morning, London Heathrow Airport, the UK's busiest hub, faced significant travel disruptions. More than 20 flights were cancelled due to air-traffic control "flow restrictions," which were implemented to manage the rate at which aircraft could land safely in the low visibility conditions.

British Airways, holding over half the slots at Heathrow, was severely impacted. The airline grounded 18 flights, including domestic departures to Edinburgh and Glasgow, and inbound legs. Additionally, seven European round-trips to destinations such as Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Geneva, Gothenburg, Faro, and Dublin were cancelled.

Other airlines also experienced cancellations. Aer Lingus cancelled its round-trip between Dublin and Heathrow, Air France cancelled its 9am flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Lufthansa grounded its 9.30am departure to Frankfurt. These flights often carry connecting passengers for long-haul journeys, some of whom were rebooked onto earlier departures.

Passengers affected by these cancellations are entitled to rebooking on any available flight to their destination on the same day. Airlines must also provide meals and accommodation if necessary. British Airways issued an apology, emphasizing their efforts to minimize disruptions and assist passengers in reaching their destinations as swiftly as possible.

The fog also caused delays for inbound flights, with some aircraft experiencing extended holding patterns before landing. For instance, American Airlines flight 50 from Dallas-Fort Worth hovered 20 miles south of Heathrow for over half an hour before it could land.

In addition to the immediate disruptions, Heathrow's management recently criticized government plans requiring international transit passengers to apply for an online permit and pay a £10 fee. This proposal has raised concerns about potential impacts on passenger convenience and travel efficiency.

The unexpected fog at Heathrow not only caused immediate travel disruptions but also highlighted ongoing challenges in airport management and passenger regulations. While airlines and airport authorities worked to manage the situation, passengers were reminded of their rights and the support available during such disruptions.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
View of Helsinki Airport terminal with passengers silhouetted against large windows

Finland’s Airports to Operate Normally During Peak July Travel After Strike Threat Lifted

Jul 13, 2025 21:28 PM
Delta Airlines Boeing 767 aircraft climbing after takeoff at sunset

New Direct Flight Links Utah to Peru’s Natural Wonders

Jul 12, 2025 21:36 PM

Kimpton Hotel to Open for the First Time in Ubud’s Historic Centre

Jul 12, 2025 13:41 PM

Glasgow Airport Strike to Hit Summer Flights and Holiday Plans

Jul 12, 2025 05:27 AM
Modern train traveling through green landscape on Calder Valley route

Calder Valley Route Boost Ensures Smoother Travel During Huddersfield Station Upgrade

Jul 12, 2025 03:34 AM
Croatia Airlines aircraft in flight against clear blue sky

Croatia Airlines Connects Milan to Zagreb with Direct Flights

Jul 11, 2025 23:45 PM
Boats anchored near Es Vedrà rock off the coast of Cala Molí, Ibiza

EDITION Moves Beyond Hotels with Series of Beach Events in Ibiza

Jul 11, 2025 22:52 PM
Stylish bed with decorative pillows and modern lighting in a villa bedroom

Maldives Beach Villas Redesigned to Meet Growing Demand for Privacy and Nature Immersion

Jul 11, 2025 18:38 PM
flydubai aircraft taxiing on airport runway

flydubai Launches All-in-One Summer Travel Packages for Regional Trips

Jul 11, 2025 16:46 PM

Rail Closures on Brighton Line This Sunday Could Disrupt Weekend Travel Plans

Jul 11, 2025 04:23 AM

Eurostar Updates Route: New Daily Services Between London and Amsterdam

Jul 11, 2025 02:39 AM
Wizz Air aircraft approaching for landing against clear sky

Wizz Air’s Early Return Reconnects Tel Aviv with Key Cities

Jul 10, 2025 23:47 PM
Workers in high-visibility gear conduct railway maintenance using machinery on a curved track under construction

Rail Maintenance in South Wales to Disrupt Travel Near Cardiff Airport and Coastal Attractions

Jul 10, 2025 21:31 PM
Jet2.com airplane flying against a clear blue sky

Jet2.com Expands UK Winter Flights to Key Alpine Destinations for 2026/27 Season

Jul 10, 2025 19:25 PM
Modern hotel bedroom with dark accent wall and stylish bedding

Bangkok’s Historic Anantara Siam Hotel Updates Facilities While Welcoming Guests

Jul 10, 2025 18:48 PM

Free In-Flight Wi-Fi Coming to All China Airlines Cabins This August

Jul 10, 2025 09:32 AM

Bridge Works to Sever Rail Traffic Between Kew and Barnes for Nine Days

Jul 9, 2025 21:27 PM
Passenger using phone during a flight

Wizz Air Launches Mobile Feature to Manage Summer Flight Disruptions

Jul 9, 2025 19:34 PM
Facial recognition scan on man's face with processing overlay

Facial Recognition Boarding Now in Use at JFK Terminal 1

Jul 9, 2025 17:43 PM
Emirates aircraft taking off from runway

Emirates Adjusts Gulf Travel with New Aircraft on Key Route

Jul 9, 2025 09:29 AM
Rail workers performing track maintenance at a train station during daytime

Planned Rail Works to Impact Night Trains Between Llandudno and Holyhead

Jul 9, 2025 07:36 AM
Philippine Airlines aircraft taking off in cloudy sky

Manila Sapporo Air Route Restored This Winter Boosting Winter Travel Choices

Jul 8, 2025 20:42 PM

Ipswich Train Services Updated to Handle Large Crowds During Ed Sheeran Concerts

Jul 8, 2025 18:37 PM

WestJet Expands Winter Flights, Unlocking New Warm-Weather Destinations for Travelers

Jul 8, 2025 16:24 PM
Transavia aircraft taking off under clear blue sky

Transavia opens early booking for popular summer 2026 routes

Jul 8, 2025 14:41 PM
Rail workers conducting maintenance inside a tunnel at night

Severn Estuary Rail Closure to Disrupt Summer Travel to Key Outdoor Spots

Jul 8, 2025 10:38 AM