UK Airports in Turmoil: Over 330 Delays Leave Thousands Stranded at Heathrow
On February 9, 2026, British airports are grappling with severe travel disruption. Over 330 flight delays and 16 cancellations have left thousands of passengers stranded across major UK hubs.
London Heathrow Airport is bearing the brunt of the chaos, recording 169 delays and all 16 cancellations. This makes it the epicenter of today’s aviation crisis. Manchester Airport follows with 101 delays, while Edinburgh and Birmingham airports have logged 38 and 22 delays respectively.
British Airways is shouldering the majority of the disruptions, being responsible for 69 delays and all 16 cancellations concentrated at Heathrow. The airline cites air traffic control challenges, weather complications, and knock-on network effects as the primary causes. Other affected carriers include:
- easyJet with 27 delays
- Ryanair with 19 delays
- Several international airlines including Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Qatar Airways
Approximately 25,000 passengers have been affected by the chaos. Recovery is not expected until Monday evening at the earliest. Passengers are advised to:
- Check flight status regularly via airline apps
- Allow extra buffer time at airports
- Keep all documentation accessible for potential rebooking or compensation claims
Source: Travel Tourister