Ruth Haines
Heathrow Airport, also known as London Heathrow, is a major international airport in London. It has been subject to various problems and disruptions, including flight delays and cancellations due to severe weather, industrial action, and technical issues. Strong winds, snow, and staff shortages have also contributed to delays, with passengers advised to stay updated through news websites, travel apps, and social media. In addition, Heathrow has experienced issues with striking workers, paint-spraying protesters, and IT outages leading to long queues and further flight disruptions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Delays | Delays are common at Heathrow Airport due to weather disruptions, technical issues, staff shortages, or strike action. |
| Cancellations | Flights may be cancelled due to severe weather, industrial action, or other unforeseen circumstances. |
| Strikes | Strike action by airport staff or airlines can lead to disruptions and delays. |
| Weather | Weather disruptions, such as storms, high winds, snow, or fog, can cause delays or cancellations. |
| Technical Issues | Technical errors or issues with aircraft or airport systems can result in delays or cancellations. |
| Passenger Rights | Passengers may be entitled to compensation for delays or cancellations, depending on the reason and duration of the delay. |
| Security | Security checks and procedures can cause delays, and passengers are advised to prepare in advance. |
| Traffic | Traffic congestion around the airport, including on the M25 motorway, can impact travel to and from Heathrow. |
| IT Outages | Global IT outages have caused significant disruptions and queues at Heathrow in the past. |
What You'll Learn
Delays and cancellations due to weather
During severe weather, Heathrow's disruption team works to clear snow and ice from runways and roads to get flights out as soon as possible. However, if there are multiple delays due to weather disruptions, planes will have to wait their turn to use the runways, causing further delays. In some cases, officials may decide not to clear all terminal runways if snow is forecast to continue falling over an extended period.
One of the most common causes of delays during snowy weather is the need to de-ice every plane before takeoff. This process must be done immediately before takeoff to prevent ice from building up again, making it impossible to prepare the plane in advance.
In addition to snow, strong winds can also cause issues for planes taking off and landing, leading to delays and cancellations. In some cases, winds can be so strong that planes struggle to land, as seen during Storms Darragh, Ashley, and Henk, which all brought strong winds and impacted flights at Heathrow.
To avoid weather-related delays and cancellations, it is recommended to plan your journey with potential disruptions in mind. Leave plenty of time to get to the airport, especially if you know there might be snow or strikes, and check scheduled times in advance on travel and road report sites.
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Strikes and industrial action
In the past, Heathrow Airport has experienced disruptions due to staff shortages and industrial action by Border Force staff. For example, in 2024, Border Force staff at Heathrow Airport voted to strike in a dispute over shift patterns, causing potential delays and disruptions for travellers.
Strikes by other airport workers, such as pilots, cabin crew, or ground handling staff, can also lead to flight cancellations and delays. These strikes typically occur during negotiations for better pay and working conditions. For instance, in 2025, Heathrow Airport cancelled dozens of flights due to severe gales, causing Christmas travel chaos.
To minimise the impact of strikes and industrial action, passengers are advised to plan their journeys effectively, allowing ample time to reach the airport and staying updated on any travel disruptions. It is also recommended to check flight statuses and contact airlines directly for the latest information.
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Travel disruptions
London Heathrow is a major international airport in London. Like any large airport, it is susceptible to travel disruptions, which can cause delays and cancellations. These disruptions can be caused by a variety of factors, including severe weather, industrial action, and technical issues.
Severe weather, such as snow, fog, and high winds, can cause flight delays and cancellations at Heathrow Airport. For example, in January 2025, Heathrow Airport experienced disruptions due to strong winds from Storm Henk, and in December 2024, planes struggled to land due to the impact of Storm Darragh. In addition, larger airports like Heathrow are more affected by severe weather than smaller airports due to the high volume of flights, which can cause a significant backlog in the event of delays.
Industrial action, such as strikes, can also lead to travel disruptions at Heathrow Airport. For instance, in December 2024, Border Force staff at Heathrow voted to strike in a dispute over shift patterns, potentially causing disruptions for travellers.
Technical issues can also cause flight delays and cancellations. In some cases, technical issues may be related to the airline itself, such as when British Airways suspended flights to a popular tourist destination in 2025.
To stay informed about travel disruptions at Heathrow Airport, passengers can utilise news websites, travel apps, Twitter, and radio updates. By staying informed, passengers can better plan their journeys and avoid problematic routes. Additionally, passengers can download the Heathrow app, which provides useful information such as terminal maps, flight updates, and parking reservations.
In the event of travel disruptions, passengers may be entitled to compensation for delays or cancellations. The amount of compensation and the eligibility criteria can vary depending on the cause of the disruption and the length of the delay. It is recommended to refer to travel insurance policies or contact the airline directly to understand the specific compensation options available.
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Compensation and passenger rights
If your flight to or from Heathrow Airport has been delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation. EU Regulation EC 261 protects passengers departing from Heathrow, and in some cases, passengers arriving at the airport as well. This regulation ensures compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or overbooking, with amounts of up to £520 or €600 per passenger.
To be eligible for compensation, your flight must be delayed by more than 3 hours due to reasons within the airline's control and not caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather or labour strikes. If your flight is cancelled and you were informed of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure, you may also be eligible for compensation.
- Gather evidence of the delay or cancellation, such as airline correspondence or photos of the departure board.
- Keep all your travel documents, including your boarding pass and flight details.
- Ask the airline about the reasons for the disruption and request that they cover your meal and refreshment costs.
- Pay attention to any offers from the airline and avoid signing documents that waive your compensation rights.
- Keep receipts for any extra expenses incurred due to the disruption.
You can use online tools such as compensation calculators to determine how much compensation you may be entitled to. Additionally, organisations like Air Travel Claim and EUclaim can assist you in claiming your compensation. They offer a 'no win, no fee' service, making it a risk-free option to explore.
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Airport expansion and upgrades
Heathrow Airport, also known as London Heathrow, is undergoing significant expansion and upgrades to enhance its infrastructure and improve the overall traveller experience. Here are some key details about the airport's expansion and upgrade plans:
The £2.3 Billion Upgrade Plan
London Heathrow, one of the UK's busiest airports, is set to undergo a substantial upgrade with a budget of £2.3 billion. This ambitious plan aims to modernise the airport and address any issues arising from increasing passenger traffic. The upgrades will likely include improvements to terminals, runways, and surrounding transportation links.
Third Runway Plans
Heathrow Airport has also been considering expanding its capacity by adding a third runway. This proposal, known as the "third runway plans," indicates the airport's intention to increase its handling of flights and passengers. While this plan has not been finalised, it showcases Heathrow's proactive approach to meeting future demands and addressing potential issues related to airport congestion.
Dealing with Disruptions
Heathrow, like any major airport, occasionally faces disruptions due to severe weather conditions, such as storms, strong winds, and snow. These disruptions can lead to flight delays and cancellations. Heathrow's disruption response team plays a crucial role in managing these situations, ensuring the safety of passengers and minimising travel impacts.
Technology Enhancements
To improve the efficiency of operations and the overall passenger experience, Heathrow has embraced technology. The Heathrow app, for instance, is a comprehensive travel companion that allows users to reserve parking, view terminal maps, pre-order food, and receive live flight updates. Additionally, the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system simplifies travel authorisation for visitors who don't require a visa to enter the UK.
Transport Links
The airport is also enhancing its transport links with a proposed £10 billion train line that would connect Heathrow and Gatwick airports. This inter-airport connection aims to improve accessibility and provide travellers with a seamless travel experience between two of the UK's busiest aviation hubs.
Heathrow Airport's ongoing expansion and upgrade initiatives demonstrate its commitment to improving the airport's functionality and the overall traveller experience. By investing in infrastructure, embracing technology, and enhancing transport links, Heathrow is positioning itself as a leading global aviation hub. These developments will likely have a positive impact on the efficiency and convenience of air travel through the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Delays and cancellations at Heathrow Airport can be caused by weather disruptions, technical issues, or strike action. For example, in January 2025, planes landing at Heathrow faced the wrath of Storm Ashley's 80mph winds.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you can use a compensation calculator to find out if you are entitled to any compensation. You can also contact your travel insurance provider or the airline to make a claim.
If your re-booked flight leaves two hours later than the scheduled flight, your airline should provide you with free meals and accommodation if needed, as well as two free phone calls. The level of compensation depends on the distance travelled and the length of the delay.
