Thick fog across the UK causes chaos at UK airports leaving thousands of passengers stranded

Thick fog has sparked chaos at some of the country's busiest airports.

London's Heathrow , London City and Gatwick were all affected after the south east became covered in a thick blanket of heavy fog.

Pilots were forced to land in shockingly poor conditions, with visibility in some areas down to just 100m.

Passengers found themselves stuck on runways or facing hours of delays at airports, as some inbound flights were diverted or cancelled.

London City airport diverted all inbound flights, while 50 flights at Heathrow were cancelled.

Those heading off for winter breaks were stuck in departure lounges, facing long waits while the foggy weather cleared.

Many reported being left totally in the dark about when the may be able to travel, with limited announcements or updates from airport staff.

One new mum was travelling with her three-month-old baby, and faced running out of baby food as she sat on the floor, stranded at Gatwick .

She told the Mirror: "It's an absolute mess. There are people everywhere and with nowhere to sit.

"There's no information coming through to the passengers at all. Everyone is just watching the information boards until they change.

"I have a three-month old baby with me and because of the delays I'm running out of baby food for him.

"I got here at 11.30am for a 1.30pm flight but our flight is now due to leave at 4.30pm."

The new mum had been travelling with EasyJet, and explained how there was no plan to house the stranded passengers.

She added: "They have no kind of lounge to house us in so I'm sat on the floor trying to keep the baby happy but I'm shattered and it's very hard.

"I've just received a text from EasyJet telling me my flight is cancelled but the departure boar still says there will be more information in an hour."

Another flyer took to Twitter after being stuck on the tarmac at Heathrow airport for four hours.

The Newcastle-bound passenger's flight had been due to depart at 9:35am.

A spokesman for Heathrow Airport said: "There are currently delays to flights at Heathrow because fog across the south east and large parts of Europe.