Thunderstorms led to more than 150 Ryanair flights serving Stansted Airport being cancelled or delayed this morning.

A spokesman for the Essex airport said the disruption has been caused by storms and air traffic control (ATC) restrictions.

Passengers reported long queues for flights, a lack of information on delays with some reporting they had sat on planes that had not moved for hours.

A spokesman for Ryanair, which has its largest base at London Stansted, said: “Due to thunderstorms in Stansted today, Ryanair have been forced to cancel a number of first wave flights to/from Stansted.

“The knock-on effect of this and ATC staff shortages may cause further disruptions throughout the day, including delays and cancellations.

“Affected customers will be notified by email and SMS text message and advised of their options of a refund or free move to the next available flight.

“Ryanair sincerely apologise for these weather and ATC disruptions which are entirely beyond our control.”

Stansted Airport said in a statement: “Following the thunderstorms across the South East earlier today, subsequent airspace restrictions have limited the number of aircraft that can operate in and out of London Stansted Airport.

“This has meant knock-on delays to flights across the day and Ryanair has taken the decision to cancel a number of its flights.

“We continue to advise passengers due to travel today to check the status of their flight with their airline before travelling to the airport.”