Over 100 flights cancelled at UK airport as high winds threaten to derail Christmas

Many have been forced to abandon their festive plans.

Predicted high winds of up to 80mph has meant the rate of arrivals at Heathrow airport – normally as many as one every 80 seconds – is extended, reducing the number of planes that can be handled.

As a result, over 15,000 people will be left having to either adjust or abandon their journey home for Christmas.

Eighty of the Heathrow cancellations are on British Airways, involving short-haul domestic and European flights.

Three round-trips to Amsterdam and Glasgow have also been grounded.

Other airlines affected include Aer Lingus, KLM, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.

Yellow warnings for wind are in place until 9pm this evening in the North West, the North East, Scotland and parts of Wales and Northern Ireland.

Rail passengers are also facing a chaotic and unpredictable Sunday as Northern Rail have been forced to cancel all trains across 11 routes.

With disorder expected in the air and on railway lines, the projected 21.3 million drivers that are set to hit UK roads today is expected to rise even more.

Warnings have been given to drivers of a “perfect storm” created by bad weather and congestion on the roads.

A spokesperson for the AA said" "If the congestion wasn’t enough of a headache, the inclement weather could create the perfect storm.

"We advise those heading out to allow extra time to travel and increase the distance between themselves and other road users."