Passengers at two of London’s airports have had their flights delayed and cancelled after the UK was hit by snow and ice on Wednesday.
London Stansted, which lies north east of the British capital, temporarily closed its runway and suspended all flights, causing misery for holidaymakers hoping to get away for some winter sun.
Airport workers cleared the runway, which was later reopened, however, some passengers were still unable to board their flights.
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Rachael Coppin, from Essex, was due to fly to Barcelona with her boyfriend but was told by budget airline Ryanair her flight had been cancelled an hour after it was due to depart.
Other passengers reported being stuck on the tarmac as the airport’s runway was suddenly closed.
Sat on the runway, about to take off, when you hear the words ‘Stansted airport is closed!’ 🤭❄️🙃 pic.twitter.com/3C6Y7k2umF
— 𝓝𝓲𝓸𝓶𝓲 🦋 (@TeachingAHT) December 27, 2017
At London Luton Airport, snowfall disrupted service leaving passengers facing long delays.
@LDNLutonAirport @easyJet I’ve been on a plane. On the Tarmac. At Luton Airport. Since 7.30am. Any plans to fly it or are you conducting a covert psychological endurance experiment??
— Anna Wainwright (@WainwrightAnna) December 27, 2017
Luton Airport advised passengers that although the runway was “operational”, some airlines had decided to cancel flights while others would be delayed.
A spokeswoman for Stansted airport said: "Due to adverse weather conditions, the runway was temporarily closed from 09.15am to 10.05am for snow clearance, and again from 12.27pm to 12.51pm, and has now reopened.
“Incoming and departing flights have been disrupted, with some flights cancelled.”
Stansted Airport have advised anyone due to fly to check their flight status before departing for the airport.
UPDATE: We continue to strongly advise passengers to check their flight status with the airline before travelling to the Airport. If your flight has been cancelled, please refrain from travelling and re-book with your airline. Thank you.
— London Stansted Airport (@STN_Airport) December 27, 2017
Snowfall in the capital had largely disappeared by late Wednesday afternoon, although the UK’s Met Office weather forecaster warned that icy patches could develop over the evening.
