Why Does Britain Face Flight Chaos During Bad Weather?

Britain’s frequent flight disruptions during bad weather have been a source of frustration for passengers, with recent weeks seeing a significant increase in delays and cancellations. As snow and ice warnings are issued, the situation worsens, leading many to question why, despite advanced technology, these disruptions are so frequent.

The Impact of Bad Weather on Air Travel

Bad weather, such as heavy winds, fog, snow, and ice, often results in travel chaos in the UK. With the Met Office issuing amber warnings for snow and ice in various regions, passengers are once again bracing for delays. But why do these weather conditions cause such major disruptions, even though modern aircraft and airport infrastructure are designed to handle them?

Aircraft Limitations and Air Traffic Control

Although modern planes are built to withstand adverse weather, air traffic control (ATC) has strict safety protocols that limit the number of flights that can safely operate during bad weather. This leads to reduced flight capacity, as spacing between arriving and departing aircraft is increased. According to travel expert Simon Calder, during inclement weather, air traffic controllers may increase the spacing between planes by 50%, which immediately reduces the airport's capacity by a third.

At major airports like London Heathrow and London Gatwick, where aircraft are typically scheduled to land or take off only 65-80 seconds apart, the increase in spacing can lead to cascading delays. For example, during heavy fog at Gatwick, an estimated 75,000 passengers were affected by such delays.

How Weather Affects Airport Operations

A key factor in these delays is that airports, despite advanced technology, often rely on visibility to issue landing clearances. While modern aircraft have the capability to land in low visibility conditions, air traffic controllers still need to visually confirm the aircraft's approach to ensure safety during taxiing and runway operations.

Moreover, high winds and poor visibility can result in cancellations, as was the case before Christmas 2024, when Heathrow and Gatwick experienced delays due to storms. The impact is even greater when snow accumulates, as it requires significant effort to clear runways, causing major disruptions.

The UK’s Historical Challenge with Snow and Ice

The UK has historically had a "benign" climate, which made large investments in winter weather preparation seem unnecessary. However, as the frequency of disruptive snow events increases, airports are now spending more on snow clearing technology and staff training. Despite these efforts, British airports are still not as well-equipped to handle heavy snow compared to airports in colder regions like Iceland or Greenland.

Notably, major snow events like those in 2010 and 2022 led to the closure of runways at airports like Heathrow and Manchester, with flights diverted as far as Dublin and Paris.

Climate Change and Future Flight Disruptions

Experts predict that climate change will worsen weather disruptions in the future. Dr. Ella Gilbert from the British Antarctic Survey explains that aviation is most affected by extreme precipitation and stormy weather, both of which are intensified by rising temperatures. These changes will lead to more frequent storms, increased turbulence, and greater difficulty for aircraft to maintain flight stability.

As extreme weather becomes more common, Nats (National Air Traffic Services) may be forced to impose even stricter flight limitations, leading to longer delays and cancellations.

Air Traffic Control and Safety Measures

Nats, the UK's air traffic control service, is responsible for imposing flow regulations during adverse weather, but these decisions prioritize safety over operational efficiency. Nats has stated that it aims to time these restrictions precisely to prevent an overcrowded airspace, but adjusting too early or too late can cause significant delays.

Storms are particularly problematic, as they create dangerous flying conditions, including high winds and turbulence. This requires rerouting planes, recalibrating flight paths, and adjusting schedules to avoid collisions, further exacerbating delays.

Passengers’ Rights During Weather Delays

If your flight is delayed or cancelled due to weather-related factors like snow or fog, airlines have a legal obligation to assist you. Passengers are entitled to meals, accommodation, and rebooking on an alternative flight at no extra cost. Additionally, passengers can choose between a refund or being booked on a new flight.

For short-haul flights, compensation for delays of three hours or more is available, but this does not apply in cases of weather-related delays, as they are considered beyond the airline's control.

What to Expect in the Future

With the rise in extreme weather events and their potential to disrupt air travel, passengers can expect more frequent travel chaos in the years to come. While UK airports continue to invest in improving their response to these challenges, there are limits to how quickly they can adapt to extreme weather. In the future, travelers may need to plan for more delays as bad weather and its effects on air travel are likely to increase.