London weather: Heathrow and Gatwick Airports warn of more travel mayhem as thick fog descends on capital again

London: Boats pass Tower Bridge which is shrouded in fog
REUTERS/Neil Hall
Mark Chandler18 December 2016

Thick fog descending on London is threatening to cause further travel mayhem, with airports again warning of cancellations and flight delays.

The Met Office issued a severe weather warning lasting into Sunday afternoon, saying reduced visibility would continue to affect southern England.

Heathrow Airport warned "heavy fog" was delaying and cancelling flights and told passengers to check status updates with airlines before heading to their terminals.

Gatwick apologised for Saturday's disruption and warned of further delays to both arrivals and departures as visibility was expected to be as low as 50 metres.

In a statement published on its website, airport bosses said: “The safety of our passengers is our priority and we apologise for any disruption to your journey.”

London City Airport said the passenger terminal would open as normal at 11am.

However, travellers were again warned to check with their airlines directly before leaving for the airport, with concerns there could be knock-on effects from Saturday's disruption.

Met Office meteorologist Luke Miall warned drivers to take care in the persistent fog and told Christmas shoppers to give themselves extra time.

Heavy: Fog shrouds the London Eye on Saturday
REUTERS/Neil Hall

"There's no wind to help move it across, that's why it's persisting for quite some time," he added.

"The fog was there throughout yesterday as well but it has become more widespread throughout the night.

"But I think as we go through the day we will see the fog start to move out."

In London, the Met Office said mist and fog could continue on into the afternoon in some areas, returning again in the evening.

Mist and fog is also expected to persist into Monday morning.

The weather warning comes after fog on Saturday caused widespread disruption to flights in and out of the capital.

Frustrated passengers hoping to jet off on their Christmas getaways were instead left waiting in departure lounges, with reports of four-hour delays.

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