UK is grappling with widespread travel chaos as thick fog disrupts flights operated by major airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa, and Delta, while cable theft on Northern Rail lines exacerbates rail disruptions. Adding to the turmoil, severe weather warnings for strong winds and heavy rain threaten to further derail travel plans across the country. Passengers are facing delays, cancellations, and significant uncertainty as the busy holiday travel period turns into a logistical nightmare.
Cable Theft Shuts Down Train Services Between Preston and Bolton
Over Christmas, thieves stole more than £100,000 worth of signalling cables from the railway line between Preston and Bolton. The stolen cables, which powered overhead equipment for electric trains, have caused significant disruptions, with all lines between these stations closed “for most of the day,” according to Network Rail.
Key Impacts:
- Reduced train services between Blackpool North and Preston, with limited rail replacement buses available.
- Disruptions on the Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport route, with fewer trains and limited alternatives.
- Repairs are expected to finish around 18:00 GMT, with the first resuming services being:
- 17:51 GMT from Blackpool North to Manchester Airport.
- 18:45 GMT from Manchester Airport to Blackpool North.
Passengers are advised that Northern tickets are valid on Avanti West Coast routes between Warrington Bank Quay and Oxenholme Lake District and TransPennine Express services between Manchester and Preston. Network Rail has promised additional security measures and is working with police to identify the culprits.
Rail Disruptions Widen Due to Infrastructure Challenges
The theft compounds existing rail disruptions in the North West, where train crew shortages and damage to overhead electric wires have added to delays. On the Avanti West Coast network, routes between:
- Stafford and Wolverhampton,
- Wolverhampton and London Euston, and
- Preston and Birmingham New Street
are experiencing delays, cancellations, and diversions. Limited services are operating between Stafford and Wolverhampton while repairs are underway.
Thick Fog Grounds Flights Across the UK
Severe fog has caused widespread disruption to flights during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Major airports, including Stansted, Heathrow, Luton, and Manchester, have reported significant delays and cancellations as per flightaware.
At London Heathrow alone:
- 18 flights have been canceled, and
- 325 flights delayed so far.
Affected Airlines: British Airways, Finnair, American Airlines, Air Algérie, EgyptAir, TAP Portugal, Lufthansa, SAS, Austrian Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Brussels Airlines, Delta, Air France, United, Swiss, Eurowings, JetBlue, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air Canada, and others as per Flightradar24.
Additional Information:
- Sunday is expected to be Gatwick’s busiest day during the holiday period, with 769 flights scheduled.
- Temporary air restrictions remain in place as NATS, the UK’s air traffic control provider, warns of continued disruptions.
Severe Weather Warnings for Rain, Snow, and Wind
The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings for the coming days:
- Monday and Tuesday: Up to 140mm of rain, 20cm of snow, and winds of up to 60mph are forecast.
- Wednesday, January 1, 9:00 AM, to Thursday, January 2, 6:00 AM: A yellow wind warning has been issued, with a deep low-pressure system bringing gusts of:
- 65-75 mph along coastal and hilly areas in the south and west.
- 50-60 mph more widely inland.
Expected Impacts:
- Widespread travel disruptions, affecting road, rail, air, and ferry services.
- Power outages and potential mobile phone service disruptions.
- Building damage, such as roof tiles being blown off.
Advice for Passengers
With ongoing disruptions across rail, air, and road networks, passengers are advised to:
- Check live updates for train and flight schedules.
- Explore alternative routes and flexible travel options.
- Prepare for delays and cancellations due to evolving weather conditions.
As the UK braces for worsening weather and infrastructure challenges, travelers should plan ahead to avoid unnecessary delays and stay informed of changes.
The post UK Faces New Travel Chaos: Airlines Like British, Lufthansa, Delta and More Hit by Fog as Cable Theft Disrupts Northern Rail Amid Severe Weather: What You Need to Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
