Chaos as heatwave sparks mass cancellations at Heathrow Airport

Passengers heading off on their summer holidays have faced misery as flights were grounded due to extreme weather.

Although temperatures have dropped in the UK, scorching heat across Europe has led to long delays and cancellations.

Pictures taken this morning show long queues of passengers and boards showing a large number of scrapped flights.

And last night many were forced to sleep at the airport.

Airport chiefs have apologised after "extreme weather conditions across Europe" caused the chaos, and called on travellers to check with airlines before setting off.

Have you been affected by the cancellations? Email [email protected]

A statement on the Heathrow Twitter account said: "We're sorry for the disruption & are working with our airline partners to keep passengers travelling."

The announcement comes after many trying to use the airport on Thursday morning had complained on social media about disruptions to their journey.

Network Rail is urging commuters planning to use the Midland Main Line between St Pancras and Sheffield to check before travelling due to reduced service levels.

Meanwhile, Great Northern, Thameslink, East Midland Trains and West Midlands Trains warned of fewer carriages on some services, cancellations and continuing disruption.

Network Rail said in a statement: "Yesterday saw significant disruption on the rail route which links Sheffield to London St Pancras International via the East Midlands and Bedfordshire.

"Trains had to run at reduced speeds, which also meant a reduced service ran and those which did run were extremely busy."

Train speeds are being reduced to cut the likelihood of steel tracks buckling after multiple incidents on the network, including problems with overhead equipment on the line between Kentish Town and West Hampstead and a fire near the railway in West Hampstead.

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