Passengers at UK airports – including London Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester – face disruption and delays due to fog

Passengers at some of the country’s busiest airports are facing travel disruption due to fog.

London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester, the UK’s three busiest airports, are among those affected.

Much of the UK has been shrouded in fog in recent days and the weather is having an impact as airports attempt to resume their normal flight schedules post-Christmas.

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Many flights taking off from Gatwick on Friday have been delayed by one to three hours with disruption continuing into this evening, according to the airport’s online departure board. A similar situation has unfolded at Manchester Airport.

Travellers departing from both locations are being urged to check with their airlines before travelling, as air traffic restrictions are place.

At Heathrow, British Airways has been forced to cancel a handful of flights, while others are delayed.

A spokesperson for Nats, the UK’s main air traffic controller, said: “Due to widespread fog, temporary air traffic restrictions are in place at several airports across the UK today. Restrictions of this sort are only ever applied to maintain safety.

“We continue to monitor the situation and have a Met Office expert embedded within our operation to ensure we have the latest available information. Our teams are working closely with the airports and airlines to minimise disruption.”

A spokesperson for London Gatwick said: “Temporary air traffic restrictions have been put in place due to fog causing poor visibility. Some flights may be delayed throughout the day.”

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Numerous easyJet flights are among those affected at both Gatwick and Heathrow. A spokesperson for the airline has assured passengers it is doing what it can to reduce disruption.

“While this is outside of our control, we are doing all we can to minimise the impact of the delays,” they said.

A Manchester Airport spokesperson said: “Like most airports across the country, we have experienced some delays as a result of fog.

“In most instances these delays have been short and have not caused disruption to our schedule.”

They are advising passengers due to travel to prepare as normal and “aim to arrive at the airport in line with their airline’s advice”.