Well the white stuff has descended on the UK (and outside GhettoIFE Towers, it is white indeed), and as the UK can’t cope with a flake a snow falling without panic descending, here is an update on what airlines are planning to do tomorrow.
Heathrow is throwing an Emergency Timetable, with tomorrow’s schedule cut by 30%.
According to the airport: (http://www.heathrowairport.com/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/baa-and-airlines-announce-reduced-heathrow-flight-schedule-for-sunday-5-february)
Latest forecasts show that snow is expected to fall at Heathrow from 17.00 today until 06.00 tomorrow, with heavy snow fall between 21.00 and 03.00. A total of 5-10cm of snow is expected to accumulate, with a 30% chance of up to 15cm. Reduced visibility is expected during the day on Sunday with possible freezing fog from 1800. Such events will reduce the capacity of the airport and without reductions to the flight schedule there would be significant disruption to flights and passengers at Heathrow.
British Airways is running a normal service at Gatwick and London City, but Heathrow has cancellations ahead. check http://www.britishairways.com/travel/arrdep for the latest updates.
BMI has announced cancellations for tomorrow as well with the following already cancelled:
- BD582 LHR MAN
- BD581 MAN LHR
- BD817 LHR HAJ
- BD818 HAJ LHR
- BD195 LHR NCE
- BD196 NCE LHR
- BD592 LHR MAN
- BD595 MAN LHR
- BD084 LHR BHD
- BD087 BHD LHR
- BD947 LHR DAM
- BD948 DAM LHR
- BD425 LHR VIE
- BD426 VIE LHR
- BD671 LHR ABZ
- BD674 ABZ LHR
- BD051 EDI LHR
- BD056 LHR EDI
- BD537 LHR SVG
- BD538 SVG LHR
- BD668 LHR ABZ
- BD669 ABZ LHR
- BD676 LHR ABZ
- BD677 ABZ LHR
- BD167 LHR BSL
- BD168 BSL LHR
It goes without saying but 1) Check before you depart that your flight is operating today or tomorrow. 2) If it isn’t flying, stay where you are. 3) If your flight is a go, allow extra time to get to the airport.
Whilst the major roads are gritted, snow is starting to settle, and a risk of ice is going be a nasty one tonight.
Keep safe if you’re travelling!
Stuff happens. Be prepared and make time allowances as necessary. And remember, the weather is NOT the airlines’ fault. They owe you courtsy, not accommodation. If you are polite, you will generally see the expected courtesy. If nasty/rude or blaming the airline for the weather, expect to be told to park it – in a very dark place. Be nice!