Preparation for this weekend’s weather by airport authorities was “nothing short of a scandal” according to the Association of Independent Tour Operators.
Chairman of Aito’s aviation committee John Tangey said there was no excuse for the level of ineptitude.
He added: “In 2010 it cannot be beyond the means of so-called world class airports like Heathrow to have contingency plans in place to cope with snowfalls.
“Volcanic ash clouds are one thing, but snow arrives every year and cannot be deemed a surprise to any competent airport operator.
With only two runways to clear in addition to the taxiways, there is no excuse for this level of ineptitude at Heathrow.
“Our clients have worked hard over the course of the year to enjoy their holidays at Christmas and are being let down by poor planning.”
Aito members have spent the weekend rerouting and rescheduling passengers who were booked to travel.
These passengers, Tangey said, are fortunate to have booked with a tour operator.
“But anybody who has made their own travel arrangements is on their own and will now have to rebook flights, car-hire and hotel accommodation – not an appealing prospect for stressed travellers.”
