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Heathrow flights ‘hardest hit’ by snow and ice disruption

Heathrow was the worst affected major airport as a result of snow and ice across much of the UK on Wednesday.

The London hub saw 69 flights – 12% of the total – cancelled up until 4.30pm yesterday, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Heathrow also recorded one of the highest number of delays among the top five, with only 8% of flights departing on time.

Gatwick also faced disruption, with 6% of flights cancelled – equating to 15 – and only 4% of services departing on time, according to the analysis of bad weather disruption as the UK recorded its coldest March temperature since 2010.

Edinburgh airport saw 5% of flights cancelled with less than half (44%) departing on time.

Stansted and Manchester avoided heavy snowfall, with 99% of flights operating as scheduled from both airports.

Bristol airport, which was forced to shut its runway due to heavy snow on Wednesday morning, reported ongoing disruption to flights into the evening.

An amber warning affecting an area between Stoke-on-Trent and Durham is set to come into force at 3pm today – indicating a likelihood of travel delays and power cuts.

The area affected by the amber warning includes the Peak District, Leeds, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines.

The Met Office said around 4-8 inches of snow is likely to fall across much of the area, rising to 12-16 inches in some parts, accompanied by “strong winds bringing blizzard conditions”.

The amber warning is not set to be lifted until midday on Friday and comes as less severe yellow warnings for snow and ice remain in place for much of the rest of the UK.  

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