“Fog of Uncertainty: Britain’s Busiest Airports Plunged into Aviation Mayhem”

**Widespread Fog Causes Major Disruption at Britain’s Busiest Airports**

The United Kingdom has been hit by a severe spell of fog, leading to significant disruptions at its busiest airports. Airlines have been forced to cancel and delay hundreds of flights due to poor visibility at Gatwick, Manchester, and Heathrow airports. The fog has disrupted travel plans for thousands of passengers, making it essential to check flight status before heading to the airport.

Air traffic controllers have been forced to reduce the flow of flights for safety reasons, a decision that has been taken to minimize the risk of accidents. The National Air Traffic Services (Nats) has confirmed that temporary air traffic restrictions are in place at several airports across the UK. The restrictions aim to maintain safety, and Nats is working closely with airports and airlines to minimize disruption.

Gatwick Airport has confirmed that some flights may be delayed throughout the day, while Manchester Airport has advised passengers to arrive as normal, as most delays have been short and not caused significant disruption to their schedule. Heathrow Airport has also been affected, with last-minute delays possible due to the poor weather conditions.

The Met Office has forecast that the mist and fog will clear slowly on Saturday, allowing for some sunshine to break through. However, forecasters in Scotland have warned of significant disruption ahead of Hogmanay, with a yellow weather warning for heavy rain issued across most of the country from December 30.

**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**

Q: What airports are affected by the fog?
A: Gatwick, Manchester, and Heathrow airports are affected by the fog.

Q: How many flights have been cancelled or delayed?
A: Hundreds of flights have been cancelled or delayed due to the poor visibility.

Q: What caused the fog?
A: A slow-moving area of high pressure trapped low cloud and fog, leading to the persistent conditions.

Q: When is the fog expected to clear?
A: The mist and fog are expected to clear slowly on Saturday, with some sunshine possible during the afternoon.

Q: What about motorways and A-roads? Are they affected by the fog?
A: National Highways reports minimal impact on motorways and major A-roads, but reminds drivers to use dipped headlights, wipers, and demisters in foggy conditions.

**Conclusion**

The widespread fog in the UK has caused significant disruptions at its busiest airports, resulting in hundreds of cancelled and delayed flights. Passengers have been advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport to avoid inconvenience. The Met Office forecast suggests that the fog will slowly clear on Saturday, but it is essential to monitor weather updates for any further changes. With the busy holiday season underway, it is crucial for travelers to plan ahead, check their flight status, and allow extra time for their journey to the airport.