Heavy Snowfall Causes Chaos at UK Airports

Written by Kathrine Frich

Jan.05 - 2025 2:30 PM CET

News
Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock
The storm has also disrupted rail and road transportation.

Trending Now

TRENDING NOW

A severe winter storm bringing heavy snow and freezing rain has caused widespread disruption across the United Kingdom.

Airports, roads, and railways have been significantly affected, leaving travelers stranded and services delayed.

The snowstorm forced several airports to temporarily close their runways and suspend flights, according to 20minutos.

Airports Struggle to Cope

Leeds-Bradford Airport in northern England remained closed through Sunday morning as crews worked to clear snow and minimize the impact on flight schedules.

Operations resumed by midday, though some flights were rescheduled for later in the day.

Similarly, Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport halted operations for several hours but reopened later on Sunday.

Despite their efforts, both airports warned of potential delays as staff continued de-icing aircraft and clearing runways.

Birmingham Airport faced similar challenges, suspending operations late Saturday due to snow accumulation. Services resumed early Sunday morning after overnight efforts by maintenance teams.

Bristol Airport was among the first to close Saturday evening, diverting flights to cities like London, Cardiff, and Belfast.

It reopened a few hours later but cautioned travelers about ongoing delays due to weather conditions.

Disruptions Beyond Airports

The storm has also disrupted rail and road transportation. Major highways have seen collisions and vehicles stranded in heavy snow.

Train services across the country have experienced delays, leaving many commuters struggling to reach their destinations.

Additionally, the National Grid reported power outages in parts of England and Wales, including Birmingham, Bristol, and Cardiff.

Crews have been working to restore electricity, but some areas continued to face interruptions on Sunday.

The UK’s Met Office has issued yellow weather alerts for snow and freezing rain across much of northern and central England, Wales, and Scotland.

Temperatures are expected to plummet as low as -8.6°C, with snowfall potentially reaching up to 40 centimeters in some areas.

As adverse conditions persist, travelers are urged to check updates and plan accordingly.