Fog Causes Chaos at London Airports: Over 400 Flights Delayed
A dense fog enveloping London and its nearby regions has led to major interruptions at the city's busiest airports. The thick cloud cover has caused disruptions to the schedules of over 400 flights, leaving thousands of travelers facing uncertainty. Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted airports were hit the hardest, as the limited visibility necessitated the enforcement of temporary restrictions on air traffic operations.
A Gatwick Airport representative mentioned that short-term measures for air traffic control were put in place due to low visibility. Meanwhile, the national meteorological agency has refrained from issuing official fog alerts but continues to keep a close watch on weather developments, ensuring timely updates as conditions change.
Flight Delays and Cancellations
On Saturday, Gatwick reported 238 delayed flights, while Heathrow registered 209. Stansted saw comparatively fewer delays, with 31 flights affected. Along with delays, cancellations were reported across all three airports, exacerbating the disruption for passengers. On Friday, many travelers experienced prolonged waiting times, some for several hours, due to similar weather conditions.
Impact on Tourism
The widespread flight schedule interruptions have had a significant impact on international travelers, complicating travel arrangements for numerous Europeans. London, as a pivotal travel hub, accommodates tens of thousands of flyers daily, and adverse weather conditions like these can alter public perceptions of its efficiency. Visitors are advised to consider potential delays caused by weather and to plan additional time for connections while organizing their trips.
