Christmas Travel Disrupted by Gusty Weather Conditions in the UK

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Transport Disruptions

• Heathrow Airport has cancelled a small number of flights due to strong winds and airspace restrictions.

• Rail passengers face cancellations and delays due to staff shortages and bad weather.

• Ferry services in Scotland may be affected by high winds, with possible longer journey times, cancellations, and restrictions on bridges.

Travel Advice

• The RAC is advising Christmas travellers to “be patient” on the roads, particularly on motorways such as the M25, M4, and M5.

• Drivers are being told to allow extra time for their journeys and increase the distance between themselves and other road users.

• Passengers are advised to check with their airlines or train operators for the latest information about their flights or trains.

Affected Areas

• Scotland is under a yellow weather warning for wind, which may affect road, rail, air, and ferry services.

• The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled two ferry services due to forecast adverse weather.

• CalMac, which operates ferries to the west coast of Scotland, says possible disruptions and cancellations could affect each of its planned services for Saturday.

Staff Shortages

• Rail operators in southeast England are apologizing for cancellations and service changes due to a shortage of train drivers.

• Northern rail in northwest England is experiencing widespread cancellations on Sundays due to train crew availability.