Flights delayed and cancelled as dense fog grips Northern Ireland

On Wednesday evening, Northern Ireland experienced severe weather conditions due to a yellow fog warning issued by the Met Office. The alert, which had been announced earlier in the day, indicated that areas of extensive fog would lead to dangerously low visibility, potentially falling below 100 meters (328 feet). As a result, the majority of flights to and from Belfast City Airport were cancelled, causing significant disruptions for travelers. The yellow warning was set to remain in place until 08:00 GMT on Thursday morning, indicating that the adverse conditions were expected to persist through the night. The airport authorities confirmed that the unfavorable weather conditions would likely affect both arriving and departing flights, leading to widespread travel delays. In addition to the fog, freezing temperatures contributed to hazardous driving conditions across the region. The Met Office cautioned drivers to be aware of icy patches and the increased risk of freezing fog, presenting additional dangers on the roads. This weather scenario also prompted concerns for rural bus routes, exacerbated by a minor incident involving a school bus in County Antrim. The bus, carrying over 40 students from Cross and Passion College, encountered black ice, resulting in a slow slide toward a wall but thankfully no injuries were reported. Concerned officials and parents have called for more rigorous road salting to ensure the safety of children traveling on these routes. The Department for Infrastructure highlighted that road maintenance efforts primarily focus on main thoroughfares that handle more than 1,500 vehicles daily, which only represents a fraction of the total road network. Despite this, local assembly member Philip McGuigan advocated for more flexibility in prioritizing road gritting, especially for rural routes that have seen increased accidents. With fog warnings now in effect in the Republic of Ireland for 17 counties, including Dublin and Galway, the weather issues are affecting a larger geographic area, underscoring the regional severity of the fog and driving hazards. As the day progressed, it became clear that the combination of dense fog, freezing temperatures, and the resulting hazardous conditions significantly impacted transportation services across Northern Ireland while presenting additional risks to public safety on the roads, particularly regarding school transport and rural bus operations. Further government discussions and action on road safety and maintenance may follow to address these ongoing challenges as weather forecasts predict continued cold spells and the potential for similar weather disruptions in the coming days.