Fog causes disruption to flights in and out of isles

Fog has meant only two flights made it out of Sumburgh Airport by noon today – to Edinburgh and Glasgow – with no arrivals so far.

However, there is a prospect that visibility will improve later this afternoon, according to airport manager Nigel Flaws.

The first plane to get out was the 7.40am departure to Edinburgh, delayed just six minutes. But the first flight due in, from Aberdeen at 7.45am, had to be diverted back to Aberdeen when it was unable to land at Sumburgh.

Mr Flaws said it had been “as thick as guts” at around 9am.

All flights due in this morning have now been cancelled except the 8.50am flight from Aberdeen which is currently delayed until 12.20pm.

Four morning departures have been cancelled with just the two flights managing to get out.

In the North Mainland, there is no fog problem at Scatsta Airport today for oil-related flights but it has a backlog of flights from yesterday to make up. A spokesman said the problem was due to restrictions caused by fog at Sumburgh and Bergen, which are required as diversionary airports for its flights.

The risk of fog disruption could affect the whole weekend with Fair Isle weatherman Dave Wheeler forecasting that the low cloud, mist or fog will linger today, becoming more extensive tonight. Tomorrow looks misty and foggy too and Sunday could see mist and low cloud too before clearing on Monday.