
"Foggy weather across the South East has reduced visibility at Heathrow," the airport said in a statement, adding that the cancellations amounted to around eight per cent of scheduled flights.
There were also dozens of cancellations at London City Airport and road users were warned about driving conditions after freezing temperatures overnight.
A map from Britain's environment ministry showed "very high" pollution across southeastern England on Monday.
"Reduce physical exertion, particularly outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as cough or sore throat," the ministry's advice read.