UK thunderstorms ground flights at London airports

Squally gusts of wind and thunderstorms brought problems for air travellers today as Heathrow cancelled more than 50 flights.

Heathrow Airport Terminal 5. Image by James Cridland / CC BY 2.0

A spokeswoman said: “We are experiencing some delays and cancellations today due to strong high-altitude wind and thunderstorms. Passengers are advised to check with their airline before travelling to the airport. We are sorry for the disruption to those affected.”

The airport had 55 cancellations throughout the day, out of a total of around 1,290 scheduled flights.

Claire Austin, senior forecaster with MeteoGroup, said there had been gusts of around 30mph in the Heathrow area.

“Heavy showers and thunderstorms can cause the winds to be squally, and big gusts are associated with them,” she said.

“Further to the south west, winds were gusting at 40mph, especially in coastal areas.”

Conditions tomorrow are expected to be calmer across much of the country, though eastern areas could see more thunderstorms.

A spokeswoman for Gatwick Airport said tonight: “It would be wise for people to check with their airline before travelling to the airport. We are having some delays inbound and outbound because of the weather conditions but no cancellations yet.”

(Press Association)