Heathrow Cancels Flights as Thundersnow set to Cause Travel Chaos

Travel chaos is set to be struck upon the UK this evening, as forecasts show thundersnow is set to batter Britain over the coming days.

Heavy snow and plummeting temperatures have already hit parts of the country, as an Arctic blast is pushed towards the south east.

A yellow weather warning has been issued by the MET Office for much of the country.

London’s Heathrow Airport has already reduced the number of arriving and departing flights this evening, due to the wintery weather forecast set to strike the capital tonight.

Over 60 departing flights have already been cancelled by the London airport.

The MET Office has warned that London and the South East of England can expect to see “rain and snow moving east today” with “widespread ice overnight.”

In an update on the company’s website, airline British Airways, stated: “As a result of the forecast poor weather we have agreed with Heathrow Airport, National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and other airlines to reduce the afternoon and early evening flight schedules at the airport on Thursday 12 January.

“The number of aircraft permitted to land by NAT’S at Heathrow Airport from 15:00 GMT on Thursday is likely to be significantly reduced as the airport’s ground teams may need to remove snow and ice from the airport’s two runways and multiple taxiways.

“Many aircraft will also have to receive de-icing treatment prior to departure to ensure that they are safe to take off. The safety of our customers and crews is our top priority at all times.

“Flights to/from London Gatwick and London City airports may also be affected.”

The airline apologised for any inconveniences that may be caused by the wintery weather conditions: “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 advised its customers of their re-booking options: “We understand that you may wish not to travel to or from London Heathrow on Thursday 12 January even if your flight is scheduled to operate as planned.”

“You are able to move your flight to an alternative time/date between Wednesday 11 January and Sunday 15 January (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 12 January.”

The airline encouraged travellers not to travel to the airport unless the operations of their flight have been confirmed: “Please keep checking the latest information about your flight on a regular basis before travelling to the airport, as the weather forecast may change.”

Don’t forget, you can get your travel insurance from Direct Travel at either www.direct-travel.co.uk or ring our friendly UK based travel team on 0330 880 3600.