British Airways has issued a travel advisory for passengers flying from Heathrow and Gatwick airports, warning of potential delays due to major road closures on the M25 and A3. These disruptions, scheduled for March and April, are expected to cause significant congestion, with alternative routes likely to experience heavy traffic.
With both Heathrow and Gatwick among the busiest airports in the UK, any delays on key motorways could lead to missed flights and longer journey times for thousands of travellers. British Airways is urging passengers to allow extra time for their trips and to stay informed about real-time traffic conditions to avoid unexpected disruptions.
The closures will take place on multiple weekends, affecting access to the airports at some of the busiest travel times of the year. The National Highways agency has also advised road users to prepare for delays and check live traffic updates before setting off.
Full Weekend Closures on the M25
The M25, a critical motorway linking London with surrounding areas, will face complete closures in both directions between Junctions 9 and 10 on two weekends in March. These closures will have a direct impact on passengers travelling to Heathrow and Gatwick, as well as on general motorway traffic. The key closure dates are as follows:
- Friday 7 March, 9:00 PM – Monday 10 March, 6:00 AM
- Full closure between Junction 10 (Wisley Interchange) and Junction 11 (Chertsey).
- Friday 21 March, 9:00 PM – Monday 24 March, 6:00 AM
- Another full closure of the same stretch in both directions.
These weekend-long shutdowns will force drivers onto alternative routes, which are expected to become heavily congested, particularly during peak travel times. Passengers heading to Heathrow and Gatwick are advised to set off much earlier than usual and consider public transport alternatives where possible.
Additional A3 Closures to Cause Further Disruptions in April
The travel disruptions will not be limited to March, as additional closures on the A3, a key road linking London to the south of England, are set to cause further delays in April. The following closures have been announced:
- Friday 11 April, 9:00 PM – Monday 14 April, 6:00 AM
- Full closure in both directions between Junction 10 (Wisley) and the Painshill roundabout.
- Saturday 15 February, 9:00 PM – Sunday 16 February, 9:00 AM
- Overnight closure between Junction 10 and the B2215/A247 at Send, with further overnight closures expected in the following months.
These additional closures will impact commuters, holidaymakers, and business travellers alike, as the A3 serves as a major access route to London airports. Delays on this road could further compound congestion on surrounding routes, particularly for those trying to reach Heathrow and Gatwick during peak travel hours.
What Travellers Need to Do to Avoid Delays
British Airways and transport authorities are advising passengers to take proactive measures to minimise the impact of these closures on their travel plans. Travellers are urged to:
- Allow extra time for their journey, particularly on affected weekends.
- Check live traffic updates before setting off, using services such as National Highways, Google Maps, or Waze.
- Consider alternative transport options, such as trains or coaches, to avoid road congestion.
- Plan alternative driving routes in advance, taking into account expected detours and increased traffic on smaller roads.
Passengers flying with British Airways, EasyJet, Jet2, TUI, Ryanair, and other airlines should be especially cautious, as these airlines operate frequent and time-sensitive departures from both airports.
Staying Updated to Avoid Travel Disruptions
With Heathrow and Gatwick serving millions of passengers each month, any significant road closure can lead to major delays and stress for travellers. British Airways has reiterated the importance of staying informed about road conditions and being prepared for longer journey times.
For those with upcoming flights during the affected periods, leaving earlier than usual and keeping an eye on real-time traffic updates will be essential to avoiding last-minute disruptions. As the closures approach, transport authorities will provide further updates, and passengers are encouraged to check official sources regularly to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.
