03 February 2009

Severe snow causes further disruption

UK airports are expecting further disruption today following yesterday's severe snow, the heaviest snowfalls in 18 years.

BAA, which operates seven UK airports, said most of the snow has been cleared this morning allowing airports to resume a "vastly improved service".

But it warned that a small number of cancellations are expected as a knock on effect from yesterday's disruption.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœPassengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest information before leaving for the airport. With poor weather conditions across the country, travel to and from our airports may also be affected, so please allow extra time for your journey,Ã¢â¬~ it said.

It has issued a breakdown of the situation at each of its airports.

At Heathrow, both runways remain open this morning. Of a daily total of around 1,300 flights, 26 arrivals and 19 departures have been cancelled today. This compares to 868 in total yesterday.

Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect services are operating train services between the airport and London Paddington. The Piccadily line and bus services are providing a good service this morning.

Gatwick remains open and airlines are planning to operate a near full service today. There are a small number of cancellations and passengers are advised to check with their airline before travelling.

Gatwick Express is operating a normal service.

At Stansted, airlines are planning to operate a full service today. There are no planned cancellations due to adverse weather conditions. Stansted Express is operating a normal service.

Southampton is still closed whilst the runway is cleared. However, passengers should check-in as normal as the airport was hoping to open by mid-morning.

Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen are both open but flights are subject to delays or cancellations.

London City Airport has re-opened but delays and cancellations are expected through the day.

Elsewhere in the UK, Bristol International Airport is experiencing minor disruption but the majority of flights are currently operating to schedule.

Departing passengers are advised to check in as normal and should contact their airline directly with any queries.

Exeter Airport said it is unable to predict the impact of the current weather systems on flights in the next 24 hours.

"Our outbound passengers should assume that their flight will depart as scheduled and check-in at the time recommended by the airline," it said.

Meanwhile, Eurostar is currently operating but subject to possible delays.

The following four services are cancelled today (Tuesday) Ã¢â¬' London-Paris train 9004 (06:55 departure from London / 07:12 from Ebbsfleet International), train 9044 (17:35 departure from London) Paris Ã¢â¬' London train 9015 (09:07 departure from Paris) and train 9049 (17:43 departure from Paris).

Travellers with reservations for these affected trains will be allocated seats on the next available departure and are asked to arrive in good time for the subsequent service.

Travellers who choose not to travel today will be able to exchange their tickets within the next 60 days and travel within 120 days.

Eurostar warned that onward travel connections within London and the UK are likely to remain severely disrupted.

UK commuters are facing further disruption to trains and the London Underground.

The Circle line remains suspended while the Bakerloo and District lines are running a partial service.

South West Trains and Southern trains remain badly affected.

The snow is moving northwards and up to 12 inches is expected in the Pennines and eight inches in north-east England.

Trains on the East Coast Mainline are disrupted and, according to the BBC, at least nine rail services between London and Leeds are cancelled.

By Bev Fearis