Aviation faces hotter, stormier skies, more disruption forecast
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Aviation faces hotter, stormier skies, and passengers may have to accept more disruption. A June storm over southern England delayed 900 flights at Heathrow and Gatwick, some by up to 11 hours. Industry experts warn such incidents will become more common as climate change intensifies.
Key Facts
- A June storm over southern England delayed 900 flights at Heathrow and Gatwick, some by up to 11 hours.
- Tim Atkinson, an airline risk consultant and former pilot, warns that all London airports could be affected by storms at the same time.
- NATS controllers at Swanwick, Hampshire, monitor storm cells continually on radar screens.
June Disruption
In late June, thunderstorms over southern England and northern Europe caused chaos for travellers. Air traffic controllers struggled to route aircraft around the storms, leading to heavy congestion. About 900 flights to and from Heathrow and Gatwick were delayed, some by up to 11 hours, and dozens were cancelled.
Climate Risk
Tim Atkinson, an airline risk consultant and former pilot, says the crowded skies over the UK and northern Europe make the region particularly exposed. He warns that all London airports could be affected by storms at the same time, with major consequences. Atkinson says rapid climate change could make such a scenario more likely, potentially putting lives at risk.
Controller Monitoring
At NATS's main control centre in Swanwick, Hampshire, thunderstorms are a major preoccupation. In Terminal Control, responsible for flights to and from London and southern England, storm cells are monitored continually on large radar screens. Weather forecasts are carefully scrutinised alongside radar tracking.
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