Brits share travel nightmares after ALL flights grounded at Heathrow and Gatwick
Thousands of holidaymakers are experiencing travel chaos after an air traffic control (ATC) fault caused major disruption yesterday.
The airspace above the capital was closed yesterday impacting all international departures - across all airlines. National Air Traffic Services (NATS), issued an alert of a "technical issue" yesterday afternoon. About 30 minutes after issuing an initial alert, the agency said engineers had fixed the problem and that it was "in the process of restoring normal operations."
Birmingham, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Stansted, Newcastle, Manchester, Gatwick, Heathrow and Luton were among the airports affected. Passengers across the country have shared their frustration on social media, with people saying they're sitting on the runway with no sign of taking off. It comes after a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.
Furious passengers were forced to put their holidays on hold while others feared missing out on their loved ones' weddings as a result of the issue. Here's how the travel chaos has impacted some passengers...
John Carr, a chiropodist from Stourbridge, was one of thousands of stranded Brits left in limbo after his flight from Heathrow to Norway was cancelled at the last minute. He and a group of friends were on their way to his brother's wedding, for which he is best man, when he found out after checking in that his flight was cancelled.
The 35-year-old told said: "I'm pretty gutted. We've got loads of stuff in the suitcases to set up the venue, because we're obviously flying to Norway. We've got the wedding rehearsal to do. It's quite stressful." He added: "It's rubbish. There's nothing we can do. We don't know what we're going to do tonight in terms of accommodation. We have put our cars in special car compounds for the next six days."
His friend James Hedges, also from Stourbridge, said the group was in the departures lounge when they were told the flight was cancelled. 'He said: "We'd already checked in and gone through the security checks.
"We were in the departures lounge, and we were literally sitting down having a burger when it came up on the (screen). Our flight was still showing as if it was leaving, and they were waiting to give us a gate and that that would be given at 4.45pm. When that time came around, it then switched to cancelled."
Monica Clare, 68, from London, was hoping to watch her loved one walk down the isle but her flight from Heathrow to the Republic of Ireland was cancelled. She was flying out to attend the wedding in Limerick at 2.40pm today, but was stranded on the runway for almost three hours, before being told her flight was cancelled.
She said: "We were told to wait for a phone update about a flight tomorrow but others were told all flights tomorrow are already full. It's totally awful. We probably have to go home and wait to see when the next available flight is. It looks like we're missing the wedding," reports MailOnline.
Asha, 18, from Manchester, said the chaos had ruined her first holiday interrailing. She told the BBC her 3.10pm flight to Amsterdam had actually departed and was in the air for 50 minutes – before turning around. Hours later, she said she was still 'stuck' on the tarmac at the city's airport
NATS said the issue was resolved at around 4.43pm yesterday but knock-delays will continue.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Evening Standard
an hour ago
- Evening Standard
A guide to gym etiquette in a heatwave — how not to behave when working out this summer
When it comes to swimwear, too many gymgoers treat the pool like the Côte d'Azur. By all means, ladies, feel free to wear a stylish one-piece. But save your thong bikini for the beach. And men? We may be in the middle of Thigh Guy Summer, but that does not give you permission to go full Speedo. Please remember we're uptight Brits, not laidback Gauls. As Simmons says, 'Unless you're on a specific kind of beach at a specific kind of hour, keep your trunks at least a third of the way down your thighs.'
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
I'm from a Mediterranean city where people speak English and pay in pounds – but there's one Brit item shops won't sell
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHAT'S not to love about Gibraltar? It's has average highs of 28C, it's just three hours from the UK, everyone speaks English and you can pay in pounds. But one half Gibraltarian, half English woman has revealed that Brits make plenty of mistakes when visiting the island. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Gibraltar is a popular destination that sits on the peninsular of Spain's southern coast Credit: Alamy 10 Adele's grandparents live in Gibraltar and she visits at least twice a year Credit: Adele Cooke Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here Sun writer Adele Cooke visits Gibraltar to see her family at least twice a year, and here she shares with us all her secret viewpoints, favourite local haunts and mistakes to avoid when visiting 'Gib'. Adele told us: "My mum is Gibraltarian, and all her family all live there - the short story is that the family moved from Genoa in Italy. "A lot of families do that and actually Michelle Keegan's family did the same - her grandma used to live opposite mine." Summer highs Adele's first piece of advice is when's best to visit, she told us: "Going in winter is a big no-no because a lot of the things to do in Gibraltar is outside. "If you go in the winter, you'll get highs of 12C. But it's not like being in Madeira where you'll get some like winter sun - it's properly cold. She's noticed that first-time visitors often aren't aware that the destination has a micro-climate because of the Levanter cloud. The Levanter cloud forms over the Rock of Gibraltar in certain conditions and will make the temperature colder than neighbouring areas in Spain. She said : "Personally, I go every May and September. The end of May is warm enough to go to the beach. "And then the start of September, the schools have gone back so there aren't lots of kids on the beach, and the flights are cheaper. "The flights this summer are expensive so if you do go then, you have to book quite far in advance." Join cheeky monkeys for cliff walks, caves and tapas in historic Gibraltar 10 Adele and her family know all the best spots from restaurants to cafes Credit: Adele Cooke 10 Adele suggested going in May or September - but avoid Gibraltar National Day Credit: Adele Cooke 10 Ocean Village is a great place for getting a bite to eat - and cheap cocktails Credit: Alamy Adele said she can generally get flights back from £80, but there are certain times of the year where the prices will be at an all-time high. She said: "Flights get really expensive around Gibraltar National Day which is in September. "It's a full weekend of events, there's lots of food, and they have firework displays, and everyone wears red and white. It's a day to celebrate being part of Britain." "Another time to be aware of is around Easter because it's a Catholic nation, so a lot of Gibraltarians will go back for that." Eating out Adele said one of the best places for an evening tipple is in the marina: "For drinks, I would go to Ocean Village which is a big complex at the marina. "In there is a casino, they've got an Irish pub for watching sports, Pizza Express, Wagamama, everything you need. "There's plenty of offers too, lots of places have happy hour with £6 cocktails and you can get coffees from £2. "If you don't like crowds and you want more of a quiet and relaxed evening, I'd go to Queensway Quay. It's another marina and it's the upmarket one. "It's really lovely if you want to go and look at the boats and have some drinks as it's usually less busy. "One place that's a hidden gem, is a restaurant at the university called Bistro Point. It's got a great view, you can sit outside and they do a great brunch." Another spot she recommends for anyone looking for quality seafood is the Jumpers Wheel Restaurant. It might not look like much on the outside, but Adele told us it's a great place to enjoy catch of the day, calamari, swordfish and octopus. 10 For a tasty brunch and incredible views head to Bistro Point Credit: 10 The Lavanter cloud can affect the temperature in Gibraltar Credit: Alamy Saving pennies Remember going on holiday with your mates and dread buying a round? Well there's none of that here. Adele told us: "I've bought a bottle of wine and a beer and it's come to just £17 in a bar before - a breakfast for a family of 10 can come to just £35, it's a very cheap place. "The food in Gibraltar as a whole is cheap and cheerful, you get big portions - I'd say it's Wetherspoons style." The good news for Brits is that Gibraltar does have its own currency, does take British pound too. Holiday hotels As for where to stay, Adele said: "Plenty of people book into the Holiday Inn as it's in a great location and very affordable, what most don't realise is it's beach on one side and next to one of Gibraltar's main cemeteries on the other. "If you do stay there, ask for a room on the rock side rather than a room on the cemetery side." To stay in central Gibraltar, Adele recommended the Sunborn Gibraltar resort which is right in Ocean Village - rooms start at £175 per night. Another great pick for visitors is The Eliott Hotel which has a rooftop pool, and the Rock Hotel which has recently been renovated. 10 Head to the sweeping Eastern Beach in Gibraltar for blue seas and lots of sand Credit: Google maps All the attractions If you head to Tripadvisor currently, one of the most highly recommended beaches in Gibraltar is Catalan Bay, but it's currently undergoing lots of construction work. Adele said: "There's lots of diggers out on that beach because they're reclaiming some land from the sea - so don't go there for the moment. "Instead, go to Eastern Beach, it's a great spot because you get more sun for longer." The reason the Eastern Beach stays sunnier for longer is because the Rock's shadow can block sunlight on other beaches. Sandy Bay is another popular beach but it can get windy. Other attractions around Gibraltar include the Spirit of the Rock, which is the only distillery in the old town - you can take the tour and have a tasting for £25. If you're looking to catch up with the news, don't try hunting for a newspaper as you won't find one. Adele explained: "Post-Brexit, you can't get them in Gibraltar, but you can buy them in Spain." 10 Book a tour in advance to go and see the dolphins Credit: Adele Cooke Tourist traps Like most places that you go, be mindful of the tourist traps. In the town centre, there will be lots of tour operators trying to sell tourists dolphin tours around Gibraltar. Adele said that for anyone wanting to head on a tour, have a look online first and book there instead. Everyone going with the few tour operators selling tickets in the square will then get into a crowded boat so when there's a dolphin, you're less likely to see it. And if you fancy heading up the Rock, do not drive yourself. She said: "Unless you're going to Spain, I wouldn't hire a car because it's quite sketchy to drive in Gibraltar. "Going up the Rock is very narrow, and on one side is just a cliff. Plus there are monkeys roaming around too. "Instead, use the great bus system, as it's very cheap." For more breaks, check out these European holidays that are cheaper than a UK train fare – with £2 prosecco and stunning beaches. Or take a look at the cheeky 48-hour holidays to Europe's best cities, beach towns and islands this summer from £167.
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
UK holidaymakers warned of hefty £1,000 fine for collecting certain souvenirs
Experts advise against taking home a pebble, seashell, or even a handful of sand from a UK beach. With the summer holiday season fully underway, millions of Brits will be enjoying some well-earned rest, both in the UK and abroad. However, experts are keen to warn travellers of an innocent beach tradition which could land them in trouble. Scotland has been engulfed in hot temperatures and humid heat this week, meaning many families will be heading straight for the nearest beach to enjoy some sun, sea and sand, but did you know that taking some cute seashells and pebbles home from the beach could land you with a hefty fine up to £1000 What seems like an innocent keepsake, whether a handful of sand or a pretty seashell, could actually carry serious consequences. Visitors naturally instinctively scour and collect souvenirs from the shore, such as a pebble picked up along the coastline, a scoop of soft sand, or a pretty shell found by the water's edge. But taking these treasures home could violate environmental protection laws, and if caught, potentially lead to fines of up to £1,000, confiscation, and, in rare instances, prosecution. Under the Coast Protection Act 1949, it is illegal to remove natural materials from Britain's coastline. The legislation applies to shells, stones, driftwood, and other items commonly found on the shore. Ultimately, it exists to protect fragile habitats and prevent long-term erosion. Neil Atkinson, travel expert and owner of Luxury Group Stay, said: "The UK's coastline remains one of our most cherished national assets, drawing an increasing number of visitors opting for staycations close to a beach this summer. 'It's essential that holidaymakers understand how even small actions can have a significant impact. From many perspectives, taking shells or pebbles comes across as a harmless token to represent your trip, but these natural elements are vital for preserving our beaches and supporting local wildlife. "There's a surge in staycations, especially to seaside spots, so respecting regulations is hugely important to safeguard these stunning environments for years to come. The threat of fines reflects the need for responsible tourism and sustainable enjoyment of our coastlines." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. In a recent reminder, Cumberland Council has warned visitors and residents alike to leave pebbles, shells, and sand on beaches or face fines up to £1,000 in line with the Coast Protection Act 1949. This warning highlights increasing concerns over the impact of souvenir collecting on fragile coastal environments. These materials are a vital part of the ecosystem. Empty shells often become homes for marine creatures such as hermit crabs, while pebbles and driftwood contribute to the natural defence of the coastline against the sea. Removing them on a large scale, even unintentionally, can damage biodiversity and undermine coastal stability.
