Over the last few days, scorching heatwave conditions in the southern parts of the UK have triggered major thunderstorms, leading to the cancellation of numerous flights at both Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
Flight tracking data indicates that more than 300 flights have been delayed today at these two major travel hubs. Eurocontrol, the aviation agency, has reported that only Heathrow and Gatwick are currently experiencing “heavy” delays due to the thunderstorms. Delays of up to six hours have been observed on departure boards, affecting airlines like EasyJet and British Airways.
Authorities from the UK’s air traffic control service have announced that delays are expected to persist throughout the day. Gatwick Airport has implemented temporary air traffic control restrictions due to the ongoing thunderstorms, resulting in flight disruptions and cancellations.
In response to the situation, EasyJet has assured passengers of their efforts to assist those affected by the delays and cancellations. The airline cited the impact of the weather conditions, stating that they have preemptively canceled some flights to and from Gatwick. Passengers are being notified in advance about rebooking options, refunds, as well as provisions for accommodation and meals if necessary.
While the heatwave is subsiding, the Met Office has warned of the possibility of further thunderstorms over the weekend, with potential hailstorms in certain areas. The weather forecast for the upcoming week indicates a varied pattern with a mix of cloud cover, sunny intervals, and intermittent rain showers moving in from the west.