Thick fog that grounded flights from UK expected for third day

Forecasters have warned that the thick fog that has been causing disruption at UK airports is likely to return for a third day on Tuesday.

Some 129 flights – equivalent to 10 per cent of departures – were cancelled at Heathrow Airport on Monday due to air traffic restrictions caused by low visibility.

London City Airport was closed for flights until around 11am on Monday, while Gatwick, Manchester, Liverpool John Lennon, Glasgow, Belfast and Southampton airports were also affected.

Passengers are being advised to check the status of their flight with the airline before travelling to the airport.

Ryanair flight diverts

A spokeswoman for Dublin Airport said that six flights into the London area were cancelled Monday morning and advised intending passengers to contact their airline for updates.

A Ryanair flight to Manchester from Shannon had to divert to Glasgow because of the weather Monday morning and a flight to Heathrow was delayed.

Early flights to Manchester, London City and Heathrow airports were cancelled from Belfast City Airport.

The UK Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for fog, covering much of England and east Wales until noon on Tuesday.

“A stagnant and moist air mass remains in place across much of the UK,” its statement said.

“Fog persisted through Monday across many areas.

“The fog is likely to thin quite quickly across the south of the (warning) area on Tuesday morning but may persist for longer further north.”

Flights were disrupted due to fog in several parts of western Europe, with Amsterdam’s Schiphol being particularly affected.

Cancellations at UK airports due to fog began on Sunday. RTÉ radio presenter Seán O'Rourke was stranded in London on Monday morning and was unable to get back to present his Today with Seán O'Rourke programme. Claire Byrne stood in for him.

Sky News presenter Eamonn Holmes was another of those stranded by the conditions and was unable to make it to London in time for the Sunrise television news programme at 6am.

He tweeted on Sunday: “Not getting out of Belfast.”

Many passengers were unhappy at the amount of information that was provided by airlines.

Paul Bingley, who was due to fly from Heathrow to New York on British Airways, wrote: "No staff anywhere to direct. Back through passport control unescorted. Terrible customer service. Worst experience with BA."

‘Sadistic’

Kris Fields, flying with BA from Heathrow to Newcastle, posted: “BA1334 has been sitting on the tarmac for 1.5 hrs now. Late plane = understandable. Making us wait ON the plane = sadistic.”

Motorists in the UK have been advised to take care on the roads amid the thick fog and Highways England urged people to allow extra time.

The agency said on its website: “Road users will need plenty of extra time to do their usual commute, especially as the fog is expected to lift very slowly during the morning.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service tweeted: “Weather update. It’s very foggy!!! Drive slowly, use fog lights or better yet stay inside.”

– (PA)