Passengers travelling through Heathrow and Gatwick next month are being urged to prepare for potential delays due to major roadworks on the M25.
British Airways has advised travellers to allow extra time for their journeys, as sections of the motorway will be fully closed for multiple days, potentially causing severe congestion.
The planned closures will take place on two separate weekends in March, affecting the stretch of the M25 between Junction 10 at Wisley and Junction 11 at Woking.
These closures, scheduled from 7 to 10 March and again from 21 to 24 March, are necessary to demolish and remove old bridges.
With the M25 being one of the busiest motorways in the country, disruptions are expected to impact access to Heathrow and Gatwick, making it crucial for passengers to plan their journeys carefully.
Even after reaching the airport, travellers should also be aware of recent increases in drop-off charges. At Heathrow, the fee for dropping off passengers rose from £5 to £6 at the beginning of the year.
However, an alternative option is available in the long-stay car park, where parking is free for up to 30 minutes, with a shuttle service connecting passengers to the terminal. Blue Badge holders can also park for free for up to two hours.
Gatwick Airport operates a similar drop-off charge, with a minimum fee of £6 for up to 10 minutes and an additional £1 per minute thereafter, up to a maximum of 20 minutes.
The airport’s long-stay car park, however, allows free parking for the first two hours, with a complimentary 10-minute shuttle bus service available for those looking to avoid the fees.
With the combination of road closures, potential traffic congestion, and updated airport drop-off policies, British Airways is urging passengers to check travel conditions ahead of time and make necessary adjustments to avoid last-minute stress.
Using alternative routes, public transport options, or arriving well in advance could help mitigate delays and ensure smoother access to the airport during this period.
