UK flights face more chaos as fog set to return for a third day

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

The Met Office weather warning for fog is valid until midday, with it expected to slowly clear throughout the morning. Image by The View from The Shard, 2015/PA Wire

Some 129 flights – equivalent to 10% 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, 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.

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

It issued a statement saying: “A stagnant and moist air mass remains in place across much of the UK. Fog has persisted through Monday across many areas, and visibility is likely to reduce on Monday evening, often below 100 metres.

“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 have been disrupted due to fog in several parts of western Europe, with Amsterdam’s Schipol particularly affected.

Low-lying fog over London from The Shard viewing gallery, as thick fog was disrupting flights at UK airports for a second day. Image by The View from The Shard, 2015/PA Wire

Cancellations at UK airports due to fog began on Sunday.

Sky News presenter Eamonn Holmes was one 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 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.”

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 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.”

(Press Association)