What is happening at Heathrow and Gatwick?
In recent days, the UK experienced an exceptional heatwave, suddenly followed by strong storms and adverse weather conditions that impacted the southeast of England. These extreme weather conditions have led to significant disruption of air traffic at two of London’s major airports: Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW).
Currently, over 900 flights have been cancelled or delayed. The impact of this situation is classified as level 3 out of 5, indicating a moderate disruption causing inconvenience to travelers but not completely paralyzing air traffic.
The storms mainly struck on the evening of Sunday, 28 June 2026, causing visibility issues, turbulence, and dangerous conditions for aircraft takeoff and landing.
Which flights and airports are involved?
The two most affected airports are:
- London Heathrow Airport (LHR): the largest UK airport and one of the busiest in Europe, with flights departing and arriving from around the world.
- London Gatwick Airport (LGW): the second London airport by traffic volume, with a high concentration of European and low-cost flights.
Flights most at risk are those scheduled during and immediately after the storm, particularly departures or arrivals between 28 and 29 June.
Among the involved airlines are carriers such as Ryanair (FR) and easyJet (U2), which are very active on these routes.
Passenger rights under EU261 regulations
Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (EU261) applies to passengers departing from airports located in the European Union, or arriving at EU airports on flights operated by European airlines. In the case of airports in the UK, post-Brexit, the UK has adopted similar regulations guaranteeing equivalent rights.
What does EU261 provide for weather events?
- Extended delays (>2-3 hours): the airline must offer assistance, such as meals, drinks, free communications, and if necessary, hotel accommodation.
- Cancellations: the passenger is entitled to a refund of the ticket or an alternative flight to the final destination as soon as possible.
- Financial compensation: generally not owed in case of “extraordinary circumstances” such as adverse weather conditions, which cannot be avoided by the airline.
In practice, passengers must be assisted but will not receive monetary compensation if delays or cancellations are due to storms or other natural events.
Practical advice for passengers
Before your trip
- Check your flight status through the official website of the airline or airport (Heathrow and Gatwick).
- Stay updated on local weather conditions.
- Consider postponing your trip or choosing a different airport/region if possible.
At the airport
- Arrive well in advance, accounting for possible queues and increased checks.
- Contact airline help desks for information on refunds or rebookings.
- Use services offered at the airport (lounges, relaxation areas) to cope with any waiting.
In case of cancellation or delay
- Request vouchers for meals and drinks if applicable.
- Inquire about proposed alternative flights.
- If overnight stay is required, check that the airline provides accommodation and transfers.
How to prepare for the future
Extreme weather conditions are becoming increasingly frequent. For this reason, it is useful to:
- Purchase travel insurance that covers delays and cancellations.
- Always monitor air traffic status in the days before your flight.
- Be flexible with dates and departure/arrival airports.
Sources
- Original article on Simple Flying: Over 900 Flights Disrupted At Heathrow & Gatwick As UK Heatwave Turns To Storms
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