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Thunderstorms Cause Over 1,000 Flight Delays and Cancellations Across Britain
More than 1,000 flights were grounded or delayed at UK airports this weekend due to thunderstorms following days of extreme heat. Gatwick and Heathrow recorded the highest numbers of disruptions. Passengers at several European airports reported long waits and limited support from airlines.
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More than 1,000 flights were grounded or delayed across Britain this weekend due to thunderstorms, GB News reported. Overnight air traffic restrictions forced airports to limit departures and arrivals, stranding thousands of holidaymakers. Gatwick recorded 391 delayed flights and 31 cancellations.
Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, and London City airports also experienced substantial disruption. The storms followed three consecutive days when temperatures shattered June records.
Friday's reading of 37.3 °C at Santon Downham in Suffolk marked the hottest June day ever recorded in Britain. The Met Office maintained an amber extreme heat warning covering London, the south east, and East Anglia until Sunday morning. Forecasters predicted temperatures would begin dropping over the weekend, with cooler air reaching western England first.
NATS stated that disruption would persist throughout Saturday. Gatwick Airport said temporary air traffic restrictions caused cancellations and delays due to thunderstorms. London City Airport said flights were gradually returning to normal after morning restrictions.
Edinburgh Airport reported four arrivals and 15 departures delayed due to airspace restrictions. British Airways said it made schedule adjustments due to air traffic control restrictions caused by adverse weather. Ruaidhri Morris, 24, waited seven hours at Verona airport for an EasyJet flight to Gatwick.
He received a £12 food and drink voucher after complaining on social media. Jamie Burton, 47, reported passengers sitting on floors at Pula Airport in Croatia, where Tui food vouchers were rejected by the terminal café.
