Fog leads to over 20 flights cancellation at Heathrow Airport

Published on May 18, 2024

More than 20 flights to and from London Heathrow were cancelled due to air-traffic control “flow restrictions,” which reduce the rate at which aircraft can land. These measures were imposed because of early morning fog at the UK’s busiest airport, leading to significant travel disruptions.

British Airways Flights Affected

British Airways (BA), the airline with more than half the slots at Heathrow, was hit the hardest. The airline grounded 18 flights, including outbound domestic departures to Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as the inbound legs. Additionally, seven European round-trips were cancelled to Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Geneva, Gothenburg, Faro, and Dublin.

• Domestic Flights Cancelled: Edinburgh, Glasgow.
• European Flights Cancelled: Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Geneva, Gothenburg, Faro, Dublin.

Other Airlines Impacted

Other airlines also faced cancellations. Aer Lingus cancelled a round-trip between Dublin and Heathrow, Air France cancelled its 9am flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Lufthansa grounded its 9.30am departure to Frankfurt. These flights often carry many connecting passengers for long-haul journeys, some of whom were rebooked onto earlier departures.

Passenger Assistance and Entitlements

Passengers affected by these cancellations are entitled to be rebooked on any airline that can get them to their destination on the same day. Airlines that cancel flights must also provide meals and, if necessary, accommodation. British Airways issued an apology for the disruption, stating, “Like all airlines, due to restrictions imposed by air-traffic control at Heathrow airport as a result of poor visibility, we’ve made some adjustments to our schedule. We’ve apologised to our customers for the disruption to their travel plans and our teams are working to get them to their destinations as quickly as possible.”

Inbound Flight Delays

Some inbound aircraft experienced extended holding patterns while waiting for a slot to land. For example, American Airlines flight 50 from Dallas-Fort Worth was 20 miles south of Heathrow at 6.54am but could not land for over half an hour.

Heathrow’s Response to Government Plans

Earlier this week, Heathrow airport’s management criticized government plans requiring all international transit passengers to apply for an online permit and pay £10 for the right to change planes. This proposal has sparked concerns among airport officials and airlines regarding potential impacts on passenger convenience and travel efficiency.

The unexpected fog at Heathrow led to significant disruptions, affecting numerous flights and passengers. While airlines and airport authorities worked to manage the situation, passengers were reminded of their rights and the support available during such disruptions. The incident also highlights ongoing challenges and discussions about airport management and passenger regulations.