In a weather-related incident on Sunday night, Aer Lingus flights from Newcastle, Birmingham, and Leeds-Bradford to Belfast City Airport were cancelled as planes were unable to land due to heavy fog lingering over Northern Ireland. The adverse weather conditions also impacted Belfast International Airport, leading to diversions and cancellations.
According to reports from The Mirror, several aircraft were seen circling above Belfast City Airport, awaiting clearance to safely land. One flight had to be diverted to Dublin due to the challenging weather conditions. Additionally, an Aer Lingus flight from Belfast Airport to Glasgow was forced to divert to Edinburgh after the runway was engulfed in fog, as previously reported by Edinburgh Live.
Images from Flightrader displayed a cluster of planes hovering over Northern Ireland’s capital, unable to land due to the thick fog. Forecasters predict that the weather conditions will persist until Monday morning, with a simultaneous drop in temperatures expected overnight.
Although the exact reasons for the cancellations of flights from Newcastle, Birmingham, and Leeds-Bradford to Belfast City Airport are yet to be confirmed, it is likely that the heavy fog played a significant role. Passengers were left disappointed as their travel plans were disrupted, and several departures from Belfast City Airport were also cancelled.
In addition to affecting air travel, the adverse weather conditions led to the closure of roads across Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK due to icy conditions. Authorities have issued reminders to motorists to exercise caution, slow down, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
Commenting on the prevailing weather conditions, Jason Kelly, the chief forecaster at the Met Office, stated that a noticeable drop in temperatures could be expected in the coming week. The UK is likely to experience colder-than-average temperatures, especially in the southern regions where brisk easterly winds will further accentuate the cold. However, the high-pressure system in place is expected to bring more settled weather, with clearer skies and reduced precipitation. Nevertheless, any showers that do occur are likely to be wintry in nature. Given the combination of freezing temperatures overnight, saturated ground, and calm winds, there is an increasing risk of frost, fog, and icy conditions.
As the affected airports and travelers await improved weather conditions, it is essential for passengers to stay updated with the latest information from airlines and authorities regarding flight schedules and road conditions.
