Fog grounds flights in and out of UK

2011-11-21 10:48

London - Thousands of passengers faced severe disruption on Sunday after fog grounded hundreds of flights in and out of London's airports, including Heathrow, the country's busiest.

Heathrow Airport confirmed that 132 flights, including 50 British Airways services, were cancelled due to thick fog.

"We are aware of 74 departing flights that have been cancelled by airlines," read a statement issued by the airport, which handles around 1 300 flights a day.

"Some delays to flights are also occurring so we advise passengers to check with their airlines before travelling," it added.

Some 58 incoming flights were also cancelled.

London City Airport, in the British capital's east, also announced that 44 flights had been delayed or diverted due to poor weather.

The Met Office, the country's national weather service, warned that "dense fog" could become "more extensive" in many areas overnight.

Airlines said they had re-booked some stranded passengers and were finding overnight accommodation for others.

- SAPA