Airlines brace as snowstorm threatens disruption

Authorities at Heathrow said National Air Traffic Services (Nats) are expected to limit the number of arriving services to the terminal from 3pm to allow ground teams to remove snow from taxiways and runways.

It told passengers: “Wintry weather is forecast at Heathrow and across the UK and airlines will be adjusting their schedule as a result. If you are travelling, check the status of your flight with your airline and please allow extra time for your journey to the airport. We apologise for any disruption to your journey.”

In a statement on its website, British Airways said it had agreed with Heathrow, Nats and other airlines to “reduce the afternoon and early evening flight schedules” at the terminal.

“We are sorry for the difficulties which are likely to be caused by the poor weather and will do all we can to minimise the effect it has on our operations,” BA added.

The airline has so far cancelled 60 departures and arrivals, including a number of services to Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Geneva, Madrid, Milan and Rome, the Independent reports.

BA urged passengers not to travel to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking on a flight that is operating.

The airline warned that flights to and from Gatwick and London City may also be affected by the severe weather.

“We understand that you may wish not to travel to or from London Heathrow on Thursday even if your flight is scheduled to operate as planned,” BA added.

“You are able to move your flight to an alternative time/date between Wednesday January 11 and Sunday January 15 (inclusive) if you are due to travel on a short-haul service that is scheduled to depart from or arrive at London Heathrow between 15:00 GMT and 23:59 GMT on Thursday January 12.

“Please keep checking the latest information about your flight on a regular basis before travelling to the airport, as the weather forecast may change. You can also check your flight status on your mobile phone.”

In a statement on its website, Virgin Atlantic said customers booked to travel from Heathrow on January 12 who wished to rebook may do so without penalty.

“Rebooking is subject to availability in the same cabin class for flights and travel is to have commenced by January 14 2017,” it said.

On Wednesday (January 11) EasyJet said: “We still plan to operate our flying programme for tonight and Thursday as scheduled. We are closely monitoring the weather for any changes to the forecast.”