Thunderstorms Disrupt Flights at Heathrow and Gatwick with Delays up to Six Hours

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, June 28, 2026

Severe thunderstorms led to over 600 flight delays and cancellations at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports, causing wait times of up to six hours and operational suspensions in air traffic and ground services. The disruptions during a busy summer travel period prompted authorities to implement safety measures and advise passengers to monitor flight updates closely while recovery efforts continue.

Severe thunderstorms on Saturday caused widespread disruption at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports, resulting in significant flight delays and cancellations across southeast England. Both airports, among the busiest in the United Kingdom, experienced operational challenges as weather conditions forced temporary suspensions in air traffic control and ground handling services.

According to data from flight tracking service FlightAware, more than 600 flights scheduled to arrive at or depart from Heathrow and Gatwick were impacted. By mid-afternoon, Heathrow reported at least 367 delayed flights, while Gatwick had 352 delays, with some passengers facing wait times extending up to six hours. In addition to delays, dozens of flights were cancelled, further complicating travel plans for passengers during the busy summer period.

The thunderstorms brought heavy rainfall and lightning across the region, prompting airport authorities to implement safety protocols that limited aircraft movements on runways and taxiways. Ground staff also faced operational slowdowns due to adverse conditions, adding to the overall disruption.

Both Heathrow and Gatwick advised travelers to check the status of their flights ahead of arrival at the airports and to allow extra time for potential changes. Airlines working from the two hubs issued notifications urging passengers to monitor updates and consider rebooking options where necessary.

While the weather posed the primary cause of disruption, airport officials emphasized ongoing efforts to minimize delays and maintain safety standards amid challenging conditions. Recovery operations were underway to clear backlogs and resume normal flight schedules as soon as conditions permitted.

Passengers affected by the delays and cancellations expressed frustration, with some reporting extended waits in terminals and limited access to amenities due to increased crowding. Airport authorities and airlines pledged to assist impacted travelers where possible and to provide timely information as the situation evolved.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.