Christmas travel chaos at Heathrow Airport

Once again, the elements have ‘kicked up a storm’, this time causing chaos and disruption to those travelling via London Heathrow Airport. 

Nature’s intervention has disrupted what is arguably one of London’s primary airlines’ busiest weeks of the year. Thanks to strong wind warnings, up to 90 flights have been cancelled, and several more face delays.

This has come after the Met Office confirmed: “The strongest winds are expected across the far north of Scotland on Saturday afternoon and evening, with the potential for gusts in excess of 80mph in coastal districts including Orkney.”

Flight cancellation chaos could not have come at a worse time for London Heathrow Airport

This is a major blow to the airport as they were prepared for an influx of passengers and had increased their resources to ensure that passenger journeys were as smooth as possible. Unfortunately, they didn’t reckon on the elements putting paid to their well-laid plans!

While they hope to get people on their way to their Christmas destination as soon as possible, they are advising passengers to check in with their airlines to ensure they have the most up-to-date information about their flights.

Christmas travel chaos extends to those travelling by road and sea

However, it is not only Heathrow that has been impacted by this weather warning as road users are also being warned that strong gusts are likely to lead to disruption and delays as drivers adjust their speed accordingly.  With around 22.7 million motorists expected to be travelling today, the likely impact has the potential to be significant.

Of course, strong winds also mean very choppy seas, and even those with the best sea legs may prefer not to be on board a ferry in these conditions.  As it is, P&O ferries have had to take the decision to cancel the route between Larne and Cairnryan for at least a 24-hour period.

A spokesman said: “Due to adverse weather conditions, all P&O Ferries sailing between Larne and Cairnryan have been cancelled from 2000 tonight (21st December) until at least 2000 tomorrow night (22nd December). We ask our customers please not to travel to either of the ports if their sailing has been cancelled, to avoid causing traffic congestion.”

Let’s hope these extreme winds pass without incident and those impacted can quickly resume their Christmas travel plans.