A “devastated” Aberdeen man was left stranded in Gatwick after learning his father had passed away as thick fog delayed over 1000 flights across the UK.
John Mitchell was desperately trying to get back to Aberdeen on Friday night after finding out his father passed away on Friday morning.
The 47-year-old had been in London visiting friends when he got the sad news. He booked a last-minute EasyJet flight from Gatwick Airport on Friday which was delayed for more than three hours due to the foggy weather conditions.
The thick fog has caused havoc on festive travel plans as the UK’s three busiest airports – Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester – as they struggled to return to their normal flight schedule after Christmas, the Daily Record reports.
John said he was “absolutely devastated”. He said: “I was actually supposed to be in London till Sunday, but I’ve had a family bereavement. My dad passed away this morning.
John’s flight for 7.35pm finally left the airport at 11.35pm, landing in Aberdeen at 1.10am today. He said he was “a mess” during the wait.
Travellers at Gatwick Airport faced delays
(Image: Getty)
He continued: “I’m going to have to go and see my family, and I’m not going to get to them at 11.30am morning. I’m absolutely devastated. I don’t know what to do.”
Air traffic restrictions remain in place today at several UK airports due to fog, the country’s main air traffic control (ATC) provider Nats has said. The Met Office warned that fog would persist across much of England and Wales, causing travel havoc for many.
A spokesperson for Nats said: “Due to widespread fog, temporary air traffic restrictions are in place at several airports across the UK today. Restrictions of this sort are only ever applied to maintain safety.
“We continue to monitor the situation and have a Met Office expert embedded within our operation to ensure we have the latest available information. Our teams are working closely with the airports and airlines to minimise disruption.”
A London Gatwick spokesperson said: “Temporary air traffic restrictions have been put in place due to fog causing poor visibility. Some flights may be delayed throughout the day. London Gatwick apologises for any inconvenience. Passengers should contact their airline for further information.”