Gatwick Airport operations 'returning to normal'

PA Media

Disruption is continuing at Gatwick Airport for a fourth day after heavy fog affected flights in one of the busiest periods of the year.

Some restrictions due to adverse weather remain in place, the airport said.

The airport added that 20 flights have been cancelled throughout the day on Monday to minimise any impact on passengers and allow for repositioning of aircraft.

A London Gatwick spokesperson said: "Temporary air traffic restrictions have been put in place due to fog causing poor visibility."

Flights throughout the day are expected to be delayed due to the disruption and restrictions.

The airport apologised for any inconvenience and said that passengers should contact their airline for further information.

Anyone on flights delayed by more than two hours may be entitled to assistance, including food and drink or overnight accommodation if necessary.

The weather at Gatwick on Monday morning was overcast.

There is no fog forecasted throughout the day and a dry, breezy and mild day is anticipated.

It is expected to turn into cloud later in the evening.

When the fog dissipates, many planes and pilots may be out of place due to the previous delays and cancellations, which is likely to bring further disruption to air travel.

A spokesperson for the air traffic control provider Nats said in a statement: "The weather conditions that caused disruption to UK airports over the weekend have significantly improved.

"Only a few air traffic regulations remain, and these are within normal operating limits."

There has been disruption at the UK's busiest airport since Friday, and it lasted over the weekend, when the airport expected its busiest day over the festive period.

At Gatwick on Sunday, around 30 departures and 28 arrivals were cancelled throughout the day.

Other airports around the UK, including Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff, were among the airports where flights were also disrupted on Friday and Saturday.