Thick fog disrupts flights, fireworks and FA Cup match in Greater Manchester

A dense fog settled over Greater Manchester on Saturday evening, affecting the southern parts of the region, including Stockport, Trafford and south Manchester. At Manchester Airport, 15 inbound flights were diverted to other UK airports and several arrivals performed go-arounds as arrivals were regulated. An airport spokesperson said the fog had largely lifted by the following morning, though a small amount of residual disruption was possible and departing flights were largely unaffected.

The haze also obscured major fireworks displays at Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield and Stockport Cricket Club in Cale Green, leaving attendees unable to see the shows clearly. In Stockport, some spectators left the display early.

BBC coverage of Altrincham FC's FA Cup first-round tie with Notts County at the J. Davidson Stadium was severely impacted, with viewers reporting that visibility was reduced to a few yards. Commentator Steve Bower said he "couldn't really decipher at all" what was happening on the far side of the pitch during extra time, describing it as one of the most challenging moments of his 35-year career. Presenter Jason Mohammad added that the broadcast had "the foggiest" view of the action.

A yellow fog warning was in effect from midnight to 10 a.m., and a second warning is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. and run until 11 a.m. the following day. The Met Office advised residents to check road conditions, allow extra travel time and follow updates from transport providers, noting that bus, train, flight and ferry services could be affected.