Dense Fog Causes Chaos for Christmas Travelers
The holiday season has faced major disruptions due to heavy fog, leading to widespread delays and flight cancellations at some of the busiest airports in the UK. Gatwick, Heathrow, and Manchester were among the most affected, with numerous flights either postponed or called off.
At Manchester Airport, nearly every departure experienced setbacks, with delays exceeding two hours in many cases. Flights to destinations such as Dublin and Munich were delayed for over four hours, causing significant inconvenience. Similar disruptions were observed at Gatwick and Heathrow, where travelers endured long waits and uncertainty about their flight schedules.
The thick fog, which severely reduced visibility, compelled the UK’s air traffic control authority (NATS) to implement temporary restrictions on flight operations. According to NATS, an expert from the Met Office was on hand to assist in evaluating the situation. While the measures ensured passenger safety, they caused extensive changes to flight itineraries.
Travelers described the situation as chaotic, with overcrowded terminals, limited updates, and a lack of clarity about their travel plans. Many expressed feelings of stress and frustration over the unexpected disruptions to their journeys.