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Warnings of UK airport disruption due to snow and ice

Warnings of more flight delays this morning have been issued as airlines struggle to cope with snow and ice across the UK.

Crew and aircraft are out of position after Sunday’s wintry weather which led to dozens of Heathrow flights being cancelled or delayed.

Birmingham airport also warned of knock-on disruption today following yesterday’s bad weather and freezing temperatures overnight.

Flybe was forced to cancel almost 100 flights yesterday across its network, including Belfast City, Birmingham, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London City, Manchester and Southampton.

The regional airline said last night: “Due to the recent snowfall in parts of the UK, airports may either close temporarily or restrict the number of arriving and departing flights.

“Flybe, like every airline, has itself minimum acceptable weather conditions in which we can safely operate.

“Please be assured that we will be doing our best to operate our services as normal, taking into consideration any adverse weather conditions.”

Heathrow is continuing to experience severe adverse weather conditions, British Airways said this morning.

“As a result of the forecast of continued bad weather we have agreed with Heathrow Airport, National Air Traffic Services and other airlines to reduce our flight schedule from Heathrow on Monday, December 11,” BA said.

“In order to help customers who have been disrupted the airline has added some additional flights into London from a number of short-haul destinations.

“We are very sorry for the difficulties caused by the poor weather. We have brought in additional staff who are re-booking customers onto the next available flights and offering hotel accommodation for those who require it.

“Our teams around the world are working around the clock, doing all they can to help customers and to get flights away.”

Heathrow said: “We’re working with our airline partners to return aircraft to where they need to be, and full service recovery remains the focus.”

Passengers are being urged check airline websites before heading to the airport and to stay at home if their flight is cancelled.

Manchester airport said: “Please be aware we’re expecting adverse weather over the next few days, but we are preparing should it deteriorate.

“Due to the expected bad weather conditions, we advise passengers to keep up to date with traffic and transport updates, and plan their journey to the airport accordingly.”

Edinburgh airport also urged travellers to check with their airlines in advance due to adverse weather in the UK and Europe.

The P&O ferry Pride of Kent ran aground in 75mph winds at the port of Calais and had to be hauled off a sandbank by tugs.

The vessel was refloated after two hours but the 316 passengers had to remain on board before being transferred to another ship.

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