Heathrow and Gatwick report 251 delays and 3 cancellations

Passengers traveling via London Heathrow and London Gatwick faced widespread disruption, with 251 delays and 3 cancellations reported. British Airways and other carriers were affected. Airports cited a mix of air traffic control limits, staffing shortages tied to illness or industrial action, and adverse weather. The disruption led to long queues, gate changes, missed connections, and extended waits. Operators said staffing was increased at key checkpoints and urged passengers to monitor flight status, consider early rebooking, and explore alternative routes where needed.

Passengers experienced notable disruption at London’s two main airports, with a combined 251 flight delays and 3 cancellations reported. London Heathrow accounted for 190 delays and 3 cancellations, while London Gatwick recorded 61 delays and no cancellations. Services from British Airways and other carriers were affected across routes to Europe, North America, and the Middle East, causing difficulties for thousands of travelers.

Disruptions were caused by weather conditions, particularly heavy rain and strong winds in the London area, which affected takeoffs and landings. Additionally, staff shortages due to illness or industrial action at both airports have contributed to the operational difficulties.

Operational strain was visible across terminals. Heathrow saw long security queues and gate changes, while Gatwick reported crowded waiting areas. The disruption produced a ripple effect, resulting in missed connections and extended waits. Business travelers faced rescheduled meetings and added costs, and tourists saw valuable time at their destinations reduced.

Airports and industry sources cited multiple factors behind the disruption. These included air traffic control restrictions, staffing shortages linked to illness or industrial action, and adverse weather in the London area, such as heavy rain and strong winds. Rising post‑pandemic travel demand added further pressure on operations during busy periods.

Passengers were advised to monitor flight status through airline channels, check potential eligibility for compensation on delays over three hours, rebook early when necessary, bring essentials to manage extended waits, and consider alternative routings if immediate seats were unavailable.

Airport operators acknowledged the impact and said they were working closely with airlines to improve passenger flow and communication. Additional staff were deployed at key checkpoints. Looking ahead, the airports indicated ongoing investment in technology and infrastructure to handle increasing volumes, including improvements around Terminal 5 and digital check‑in. Government support for upgrades was also referenced, with the expectation that these steps will enhance reliability over time.