Thousands of passengers travelling through two of the UK's busiest airports faced significant disruption after powerful thunderstorms swept across southern England, forcing airlines and air traffic controllers to delay hundreds of flights at Heathrow and Gatwick.
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The disruption came as the UK Met Office issued yellow thunderstorm warnings covering large parts of southern England, warning of torrential rain, lightning, hail and sudden flooding that could affect transport throughout the day.
The adverse weather forced aircraft to wait on the ground and in holding patterns while air traffic controllers managed reduced airport capacity to ensure passenger safety.
Heathrow and Gatwick flight delays
Flight tracking data showed that hundreds of departures and arrivals at Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport were delayed as storms passed across the region.
According to National Air Traffic Services (NATS), temporary air traffic restrictions were introduced because thunderstorms reduce the amount of airspace controllers can safely use. Aircraft must be spaced further apart during severe weather, reducing the number of flights that can land and depart each hour.
In a statement, NATS said: "Thunderstorms across southern England are reducing the amount of airspace available for aircraft. Safety remains our priority, so temporary traffic management measures are required."
Airport operators advised passengers to check directly with their airline before travelling, warning that delays could continue throughout the day as aircraft and crews gradually returned to schedule.
