What is happening in London?
On the morning of September 8, 2026, the suspension of all departing flights from London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW) airports was announced. The event has been reported as a temporary closure of the airports, with an impact level rated 3 out of 5, indicating a moderate but significant disruption for passengers and air traffic.
The exact causes of this closure have not yet been officially detailed by airport authorities, but similar past events have been linked to security issues, adverse weather conditions, or operational problems related to air traffic or staff.
Which airports and flights are at risk?
Departing flights from:
are currently blocked. This affects all airlines operating from these hubs, including domestic and international flights.
If you have a flight scheduled to depart from one of these airports in the coming hours, it is highly recommended to check your flight status with the airline and monitor updates through official channels.
Passenger rights under EU261
According to the European regulation EU261/2004, passengers whose flights are canceled or experience long delays have certain rights. However, in cases of extraordinary events such as airport closures due to security conditions or force majeure, airlines may not be obliged to provide compensation.
Specifically:
- Right to a refund or re-routing on an alternative flight at no extra cost
- Assistance (meals, refreshments, free phone calls) during the wait
- Possibility to claim compensation for cancellations not caused by extraordinary events
Since the closure is an event beyond the control of airlines, monetary compensation may be limited, but assistance is guaranteed.
Practical advice for travelers
If you have a flight departing from Heathrow or Gatwick in the next few hours, here is what to do:
- Check the flight status: use your airline’s website or app for real-time updates.
- Contact the airline: for rebooking or refund options.
- Go to the airport only after confirmation: avoid long waits if the situation does not resolve.
- Consider alternative airports: London has other airports like London City (LCY) or Stansted (STN), although they may not offer the same number of flights.
- Prepare for waiting: bring food, water, and entertainment, and use airport assistance for meals or overnight stays if necessary.
Sources
Want to know if your next flight is at risk? Check your flight risk on FlightGuard.
