UK travel chaos: Stormy weather grounds flights and ferries
Strong and gusty winds caused considerable chaos across the United Kingdom. Thousands of travellers had to change their holiday plans due to cancelled flights, ferries, and trains.
"The Independent" reports that on Sunday, December 22nd this year, the weather in the United Kingdom made it difficult for many to reach other parts of the country or other countries for the holidays. At times, wind speeds reached up to 120 km/h, which impacted air traffic.
Paralysis in the United Kingdom
Over 100 flights at Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom were cancelled. – Due to strong winds and airspace restrictions, a small number of flights were cancelled today (December 22nd this year – editor’s note). As a result, the vast majority of passengers will still be able to travel as planned – a spokesperson for the airport stated, as reported by British media.
Additionally, the departure of several planes was also halted in Glasgow.
An emergency landing occurred at the Belfast airport due to strong winds. Fortunately, no one was hurt. The airport had to close the runway for the rest of the day.
Disruptions on land and sea
Additionally, due to bad weather, ferries were not operating on many routes in Scotland and Ireland. Some operators changed the schedules on their routes.
Snow caused the closure of one lane on the M62 motorway, and RAC warns drivers of challenging conditions. Many Northern trains were cancelled, further complicating travels. Weather warnings are in place in many parts of the United Kingdom. Furthermore, the rail operator ScotRail announced that speed restrictions are in place on parts of the route between Glasgow and Oban/Mallaig and on the route from Inverness to Kyle/Wick.
The Met Office forecasts "grey holidays" with mild temperatures and occasional clear spells. Nevertheless, travellers must anticipate further disruptions due to adverse weather conditions.
Source: "The Independent"
