Travellers at UK airports warned as fog disrupts flights

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

Much of the UK has been shrouded in mist in recent days and the weather is having an impact as airports return to their normal schedules after Christmas.

Travellers are being urged to check with their airline as air traffic restrictions are in place at several UK airports due to fog, the country's main air traffic control provider Nats said.

Gatwick and Manchester, the UK's second and third busiest airports, were among those affected by the weather.

The mist and fog is expected to clear slowly on Saturday, according to the latest Met Office forecast.

A Nats spokesperson said the widespread fog had led to temporary air traffic restrictions at several airports across the UK.

"Restrictions of this sort are only ever applied to maintain safety," they said, adding staff were working "closely with the airports and airlines to minimise disruption".

"We continue to monitor the situation and have a Met Office expert embedded within our operation to ensure we have the latest available information."

Fog has caused problems at airports in Jersey and Guernsey too.

Forecasters are also warning of "significant disruption" in the build-up to Hogmanay, with a yellow weather warning for heavy rain issued for nearly all of Scotland from 30 December.

Some passengers at Manchester Airport are facing delays of up to two hours.

"Like most airports across the country, we have experienced some delays as a result of fog," a spokesperson said.

Passengers have been told to arrive at the airport "as normal", as most delays "have been short and have not caused disruption to our schedule," they added.

A London Gatwick spokesperson said temporary air traffic restrictions had been put in place due to fog causing poor visibility.

"Some flights may be delayed throughout the day," they added.

"London Gatwick apologises for any inconvenience. Passengers should contact their airline for further information."

Meanwhile, National Highways, which runs the UK's motorways and busiest A-roads, said the misty weather was not having a significant impact on its network.

It reminded motorists to use dipped headlights, wipers and demisters while driving in foggy conditions.