Gatwick Airport Flight Disruptions Continue Due to Fog

Gatwick Airport is facing significant disruptions as dense fog continues to affect flights for the third consecutive day, coinciding with what is forecasted to be the airport's busiest day of the Christmas season. Passengers are advised to remain vigilant and check their flight status as air traffic control enforces temporary restrictions due to poor visibility.

Current Situation at Gatwick

As of Sunday, reports confirm that Gatwick Airport had planned 769 flights, making it a peak travel day during the holiday period. However, various airlines, including EasyJet, have announced that some flights are either delayed or cancelled as a direct consequence of the persistent fog.

“This dense fog has caused visibility to drop as low as 100 meters in some areas, necessitating air traffic control to impose limitations to ensure safety,” commented a spokesperson from NATS, the UK’s main air traffic control provider.

Impact on Other Airports

Although Gatwick remains largely affected, other UK airports, such as Heathrow, Stansted, and Luton, reported fewer disruptions due to the weather on Sunday. Live departure boards revealed some delays, but it remains unclear if these were attributed to fog.

Passengers flying out of Manchester, Glasgow, and Cardiff also experienced some delays over the weekend, with many travelers still struggling to cope with ongoing flight cancellations.

Passenger Experiences and Feedback

Frustration among travelers is palpable, as seen through various accounts shared online. A traveler who attempted to fly from Edinburgh to Gatwick reported a cancellation followed by a rescheduled flight that faced yet another delay, highlighting the ripple effects that weather conditions have on air travel.

During these trying times, many passengers have expressed feelings of uncertainty while waiting in lounges, uncertain whether to book alternative means of travel or endure chaotic rescheduling processes. One passenger stated, “I’ve seen people in tears and others desperately seeking alternative travel options only to find everything sold out.” This scenario exemplifies the chaos that can arise due to weather-related disruptions at major airports.

Weather Outlook

Looking ahead, forecasts from the Met Office indicate that this chaos may not resolve soon. More inclement weather is expected in the coming days, with warnings issued for rain, snow, and strong winds. As we near New Year’s celebrations, additional warnings have set in place for potential adverse conditions extending from Scotland to the southern regions of the UK.

“Travelers should prepare for delays and cancellations, factoring extra time into their journeys,” warns chief forecaster Andy Page. In fact, yellow weather warnings will be active across the country from the start of the New Year, potentially complicating travel plans further.

Advice for Travelers

With conditions continuing to shift, passengers should:

• Stay Updated: Keep in constant communication with airlines for the latest information regarding flight schedules.
• Prepare for Delays: Allow for extra time in travel plans over the holiday period; consider alternative routes if necessary.
• Check Weather Reports: Be informed on weather advisories as they will impact travel safety and timing.

Gatwick Airport and others are attempting to manage the high volume of holiday traffic amidst the challenging weather. “The safety of our crew and passengers remains our utmost priority,” stated an EasyJet representative, who confirmed ongoing efforts to assist impacted travelers with rebooking options, refunds, and accommodation as required.

In conclusion, while the fog may be expected to lessen, the complications from the previous delays and cancellations will likely lead to continued disruptions at Gatwick Airport and beyond as the holiday travel rush continues.