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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Travel
Milo Boyd

Flights cancelled as snow causes airport chaos including Stansted and Manchester

Huge numbers of passengers have had their travel plans thrown into chaos by the wintery weather.

Over the weekend and today heavy snow fall has caked runways, trainlines and motorways, resulting in lengthy delays for commuters and holidaymakers.

More than 100 flights due to serve UK airports have been cancelled across Sunday and Monday so far, with Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Manchester and London City airports among the worst affected.

Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester all have had to close a runway, resulting in massive backlogs of passengers.

Have you been caught up in the travel chaos? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Passengers have taken to social media to highlight the delays their facing.

One unhappy customer had their flight to Malaga cancelled last night, with the only free replacements flying out on Wednesday or costing £750 one way.

"Just got back from Gatwick after being there from 4am... nightmare," they wrote at 9.30am this morning.

Snow grounded flights at Gatwick today and this morning (Twitter)

Another added: "Was meant to be leaving from Gatwick at 6pm last night. Airport closed. They transferred us to Luton today, first flight cancelled and no updates on the 11am one.

"Mental what a bit of snow does. Next plan if cancelled is to hire a car."

Gatwick said on Twitter: “Snow and freezing weather may cause disruption at the airport. Passengers are advised to check flight status with their airline – and also local travel conditions – before departing for the airport.”

Passengers were stuck in the terminal enduring long waits this morning (@fl360aero/Twitter)

Responding to customers it added: “Some flights were delayed due to a shortage of ‘de-icing rigs’. This situation has improved however continued freezing weather is causing further delays and some cancellations.”

Others passengers complained of lengthy delays to get their bags back having landed at Heathrow Airport on Sunday evening.

One passenger tweeted: "@HeathrowAirport Would it be possible to find out what the delay is on getting bags to belt 10 in terminal 2? We’ve been waiting for an hour now…"

More than 50 flights were cancelled at Heathrow on Sunday as freezing fog led to air traffic restrictions on the number of planes which could land.

The snow and ice has caused travel chaos (MEN MEDIA)

Luton Airport was also badly impacted by the weather, with the majority of flights due to depart this morning pushed back into the afternoon or cancelled altogether.

One customer claimed some passengers had been reduced to tears by the long delays at the London travel hub.

A spokesperson for Luton said: "The airport remains open and operational this morning but there have been a number of weather related delays and cancellations. Please check with your airline for the status of your flight."

This morning a spokesperson for Stansted said its runway was "temporarily closed whilst we undertake snow clearing".

They added: "We remain open but passengers should contact their airline for the latest flight information. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will provide further updates as soon as possible."

London City Airport said it is "experiencing some disruption this morning" because aircraft were out of position following the "significant amount of cancellations" on Sunday night.

Manchester Airport was dealing with the icy conditions earlier than travel hubs in the south, after snow fell on Saturday.

Manchester Airport suffered snow related issues over the weekend (MEN MEDIA)

Many passengers eager to get home for the England vs France clash complained of being stuck onboard stationary planes for several hours.

"Finally landed back in Manchester. The difference between other airports & Manchester is shocking," Jamie Walker wrote on Twitter.

"Three hours delayed and then once again, luggage isn’t here. Some people have been waiting over two hours. Looks like everyone is having to watch the England game in the luggage reclaim."

A Met Office yellow warning for snow, ice and fog has been issued for much of the country

Travellers have been urged to check the status of their flights with airlines before leaving for the airport this morning.

If you find yourself caught up in the travel chaos, our handy refund and compensation guide can help you figure out your rights.

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