Severe fog continues to disrupt flights at major UK airports, with Heathrow and Gatwick experiencing numerous delays and cancellations on Saturday, following Friday’s disruptions.
The National Air Traffic Services (NATS) confirmed that temporary air restrictions remain active in areas experiencing low visibility. While forecasters predict the fog will persist across England and Wales, particularly in southern regions, conditions may improve later.
Gatwick Airport issued a statement acknowledging that “temporary air traffic restrictions have been put in place due to fog causing poor visibility,” warning that delays could continue throughout the day. Passengers are being advised to verify their flight status.
The disruption has extended many travelers’ Christmas holidays unexpectedly. James and Madison King’s journey from Stockholm to Gatwick illustrates the challenges: their Friday evening flight was forced to refuel in Dublin before returning to Stockholm due to crew flight time restrictions.
At Gatwick, passenger Elif Arjin Celik, awaiting her delayed flight to Istanbul, described overcrowded conditions in the departures area, limited seating and food options, and long waits for facilities.
Similar issues affected Stansted Airport. Jonathan and Janice Risley, stuck in Amsterdam since Christmas Day, have experienced three flight cancellations. While their airline, KLM, provided hotel accommodation, their luggage remained at Schiphol airport, forcing them to purchase new clothes. They’re now scheduled for a Sunday morning flight to Norwich.
Friday’s disruption was extensive, with Flightradar24 data showing numerous cancellations and hundreds of delays across UK airports. A Ryanair flight from Alicante to Teesside International Airport was diverted to Dublin, while Manchester, Glasgow, and Cardiff airports also experienced significant disruptions.
National Highways reported minimal impact on major roads but reminded drivers to use appropriate lighting and safety features in foggy conditions. They advised using dipped headlights, wipers, and demisters while driving.
The widespread low cloud, mist, and fog – essentially ground-level clouds forming after rain when the air contains high moisture – is expected to clear later. Weather forecasts indicate improved conditions for Sunday, with sunny spells predicted across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
About the author
U.S. Strike on Yemen Fuel Port Results in Dozens of Casualties, According to Houthi Media
U.S. strikes on a fuel port in Yemen killed at least 58 people, according to Houthi-run Al Masirah TV, marking one of the deadliest attacks since the United States began its military campaign against the Iran-backed militants. The United States has stated it will not cease the large-scale strikes that began last monthโits most significant military operation in the Middle East since President Donald Trump took office in Januaryโunless the Houthis stop their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Al Masirah TV reported that Thursday's strikes on the western fuel port of Ras Isa also resulted in 126 wounded. The U.S. military characterized the operation as an effort to cut off a fuel source for the Houthi militant group. When Reuters requested comment regarding the casualty figures reported by the Houthis and the U.S. military's estimate, U.S. Central Command […]
Minister Jack Chambers Questioned Over Past Planning Objections Despite Recent Housing Comments
Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers, who recently criticized planning objections based on "character of an area" concerns, is facing scrutiny over his past objection to a development that included apartments. This week, Chambers announced measures to accelerate infrastructure delivery. He stated that objections based on neighborhood character are "nebulous" and block housing supply goals. He claimed there are "countless examples" of people trying to "frustrate" housing development for the "broad public good." However, records show that in 2016, Chambers objected to a mixed-use Lidl development in Castleknock that included eight apartments. As a local TD then, he argued the project would "compromise and constrain the aesthetic and visual outlook" of the village. During an An Bord Pleanala hearing in 2017, he reportedly described the development as a "monstrosity" that "puts an atomic bomb under the conservation area." In his […]
Hard-Right Allies at Odds: Meloni’s Diplomatic Tightrope Between Trump and the EU
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faced a delicate diplomatic challenge during her White House visit as she attempted to balance her ideological alignment with President Trump against her responsibilities to the European Union. The relationship between the United States and the EU has grown increasingly strained under Trump's administration. Meloni, part of a newer generation of hard-right European leaders with connections to the Trump administration, has cultivated a personal rapport with the president, who has described her as "a real live wire" and a "fantastic woman." Her anti-immigration stance aligns with Trump's policies, earning her a reputation as someone who can effectively communicate with him. Meloni's visit comes amid widespread international concern over Trump's global tariff policies. Initially imposing a 20% tax on all EU goods entering the United States, Trump later reduced this to a 10% blanket rate following […]
Young Adults Face Highest Risk on Irish Roads as Easter Weekend Approaches
One in three people killed or seriously injured on Irish roads were under the age of 30, according to recent data shared by authorities ahead of the Easter weekend. An Garda Sรญochรกna and the Road Safety Authority are urging drivers to prioritize road safety during the holiday period. Police are launching an enhanced roads policing operation from 7 a.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Tuesday. Every available Garda member on duty throughout the long weekend will conduct road traffic enforcement activities, though officials emphasize that they "need the public's help" to prevent tragedies. "Anyone who is intending to socialize and have drinks at any point over the long weekend needs to leave their car at home, arrange a designated driver among friends, pre-book a taxi, use public transport where possible or fix up a lift home from someone they trust who […]
Golf Superstar’s Trophy Could Inspire Struggling Red Devils, Says Coach
Amorim Invites Masters Champion McIlroy to Bring Green Jacket to Old Trafford Manchester United manager Amorim has invited Rory McIlroy to bring his Masters Green Jacket to Old Trafford, hoping it might inspire his underperforming team. McIlroy, a United supporter who recently completed a career grand slam at Augusta National, had suggested he would take his Green Jacket to the stadium "if it can inspire some better play." Responding through Manchester United's official X account, Amorim welcomed the Northern Irishman: "Hi Rory. Congratulations for the Masters and I want to invite you to Old Trafford to show your trophy. It's really important for us in this moment. You achieved something that a lot of people thought would be impossible, and we want that feeling in our stadium. So I hope to see you soon at Old Trafford and to meet […]
MAJOR DRUG BUST: Over โฌ149k of Narcotics Seized in Dublin Raid
Gardaรญ have arrested a man following a significant drug seizure worth approximately โฌ149,100 in Ballymun, Dublin. On Tuesday morning, the Ballymun Divisional Drugs Unit conducted a search of premises in the area with support from the Armed Support Unit, Ballymun Detective Unit, and Ballymun Community Response Team. During the operation, authorities seized approximately โฌ87,500 of suspected heroin and โฌ61,600 of suspected cocaine. A man in his 30s was arrested in connection with the search and is currently being detained at a Garda station in North Dublin. The operation was part of an ongoing initiative targeting the sale and supply of drugs in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North. A Garda spokesperson confirmed that investigations into the matter are continuing.
Related
Young Adults Face Highest Risk on Irish Roads as Easter Weekend Approaches
One in three people killed or seriously injured on Irish roads were under the age of 30, according to recent data shared by authorities ahead of the Easter weekend. An Garda Sรญochรกna and the Road Safety Authority are urging drivers to prioritize road safety during the holiday period. Police are launching an enhanced roads policing operation from 7 a.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Tuesday. Every available Garda member on duty throughout the long weekend will conduct road traffic enforcement activities, though officials emphasize that they "need the public's help" to prevent tragedies. "Anyone who is intending to socialize and have drinks at any point over the long weekend needs to leave their car at home, arrange a designated driver among friends, pre-book a taxi, use public transport where possible or fix up a lift home from someone they trust who […]
Top Former College Athlete Among Six Dead in New York Plane Crash
A private plane crashed in an open field in upstate New York on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of all six people on board, according to authorities. Former Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) football star Karenna Groff, her parents, her brother, and two partners were among those killed, a family statement confirmed. The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the family had been traveling for a holiday celebration when the crash occurred. Officials who obtained video footage of the flight's final moments stated that the aircraft appeared intact before it hit the ground at a high rate of descent. A joint family statement identified the victims as Karenna Groff, her parents Dr. Michael Groff and Dr. Joy Saini, her brother Jared Groff and his partner Alexia Couyutas Duarte, and Karenna's partner James Santoro. "They were a wonderful family," […]
Nigeria to Launch Calabar Section of Coastal Highway April 14, Connecting to Sokoto-Badagry Route
Nigeria's Federal Government will officially commence construction on the Calabar section of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway on April 14, addressing concerns that development has been limited to the Lagos area. During an ARISE News interview on Sunday, Minister of Works Dave Umahi announced a series of launch events: April 14 in Calabar (Cross River), April 15 in Akwa Ibom, and April 16 in Ebonyi State. "By the 14th of this month, we are going to be flagging off the construction in the Calabar axis," Umahi stated, rejecting claims that work was only happening in Lagos. "No, that is not a fact. We are working right now in Calabar and Akwa Ibom," he emphasized. The minister described another of President Tinubu's legacy projects that will connect Calabar with Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and ultimately Abujaโpart of a Trans-Sahara route designed to […]
Devastating January Wildfires Claim 30th Victim as LA Communities Struggle to Rebuild
Death toll in Los Angeles wildfires reaches 30 with newly confirmed fatality in Altadena A new death connected to January's wildfires has been confirmed, bringing the total death toll to 30, according to the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner's office on Wednesday. The latest fatality was linked to the Eaton Fire after remains were discovered on the 900 block of Boston Street in Altadena. The medical examiner's office referred to the victim as "unidentified doe No. 203." With this additional death, the Eaton Fire has now claimed 18 lives, while the Palisades Fire resulted in 12 fatalities. The wildfires devastated the region, forcing thousands of residents from their homes in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. Together, the fires consumed more than 37,000 acres. Both communities continue their rebuilding efforts following the destruction. Investigators are still working to determine […]
Freshwater Crisis Threatens World’s Lithium Supply as Demand Set to Skyrocket 40x
Freshwater, critical for lithium mining, is becoming increasingly scarce in the "Lithium Triangle," a resource-rich region in the Andean Plateau spanning parts of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile that contains over half of global lithium reserves. A recent study published in Communications Earth and Environment revealed that freshwater availability for lithium extraction in the region is approximately 10 times lower than previously estimated. With global lithium demand projected to increase 40-fold by 2040, the limited annual rainfall supplying freshwater to the arid Lithium Triangle may not be sufficient. The study's authors advise the lithium industry to reduce freshwater consumption to prevent disruption to mining operations, which currently use up to 500,000 gallons of water to extract one ton of lithium. In the Triangle, freshwater supports agricultural activities for Indigenous communities and sustains wetlands housing unique wildlife, including short-tailed chinchillas, wild camelids, […]
Tragedy Strikes: Tourist Submarine Disaster Claims 6 Lives in Red Sea
A tourist submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, resulting in six fatalities and multiple injuries, according to official reports from local authorities. The incident occurred on Thursday when the submarine "Sindbad" was carrying 45 foreign tourists and five Egyptian crew members. Red Sea governor Maj. Gen. Amr Hanafi confirmed that all six deceased individuals were Russian nationals, while 29 of the 39 rescued tourists sustained injuries and required hospitalization. The submarine, which typically operates 40-minute underwater tours at depths of 20-25 meters, was known for providing panoramic views of marine life through its bottom windows. Passengers were diverse in nationality, including Russians, Indians, Norwegians, and Swedes. Rescue teams were immediately dispatched following the sinking, and the governor's office released video footage showing survivors, including children, receiving medical attention. The state-owned Akhbar Al-Youm newspaper reported that investigations are ongoing […]
Be the first to leave a comment