Jet2, easyJet and Ryanair issue winter weather advice amid forecasted snow risk

06 December 2023 , 13:42

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Ice and snow generally ups the chance of travel disruption (Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Major airlines have offered passengers advice in the event of winter travel disruption after snow and ice caused cancellations this weekend, with the Met Office predicting more to come later this month.

Passengers were left stranded at Glasgow Airport over the weekend when all flight operations were suspended on Saturday due to heavy snow. The busy Scottish airport said "winter teams" had worked overnight after "heavier than forecast snow". Dozens of flights were cancelled after the Met Office issued yellow weather warnings including Scotland, and northern and south-west parts of England. The incident was the first this winter in which snowy or icy weather led to disruption at Britain's airports.

Last year Brits heading away for the festive period didn't have to contend with bad weather but with strikes as Border Force workers staged walk-outs in December as part of a long running pay dispute. Such action will not happen this year.

Although the RMT Union voted to stop striking last week, festive travellers using the rails may be impacted by the strikes targeting 16 train operating companies in England on different days between 2 and 8 December as Aslef train drivers continue their campaign of industrial action.

If you are due to fly over the Christmas period then it is important to check with your airline ahead of the trip to check whether there is any weather related disruption. Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 have advice for Britons travelling this month.

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

Earlier this week Ryanair urged customers to be aware of "potential disruptions to and from the United Kingdom", saying customers who are impacted this week or during the rest of the month would be notified of any changes to their flights. Those concerned about disruption "should check their Ryanair app for the latest updates on their flight."

Passengers travelling with easyJet from Luton Airport this month have been advised to take extra car, especially if driving to the travel hub.

A statement from the airline said: "Please allow extra time for your journey if you’re travelling by road. Following the car park fire in October, the drop-off and pick up zone has moved to the Mid-Stay car park. This is a 10 minute walk from the Terminal, or a free shuttle bus service is available. Blue Badge holders can be dropped off at Terminal Car Park 1. Airport parking is limited so please book this in advance."

Jet2 has said it does not expect any disruptions, but has urged customers to regularly check their flights for any changes generally speaking, especially during periods of poor weather.

Honor Criswick, a meteorologist at the Met Office, told the Mirror that the disruptive weather of the past weekend was likely to ease off as the week goes on.

"There is a risk of snow Wednesday night through to Thursday, probably localised and not near airports, turning milder as this week goes on," she said.

"The only caveat from that is that it will be a lot wetter. There is a further risk of some localised flooding from Wednesday onwards. The wind is strengthening a fair amount around the coasts. It will be quite breezy, Thursday, Friday and over the weekend as well.

"From December 12, chance of a cold spell, but it is very uncertain at this time if it could cause impact (to air travel), but there is always that risk. Perhaps a little bit of disruption."

The national weather service's latest long-range forecast states colder weather is expected to return during the festive season. It concerns the period of Wednesday December 20 to Wednesday January 3.

Writing on its website, the Met Office predicted: "Most likely to be unsettled with further bands of rain crossing the UK with brighter conditions and showers in between. The wettest and windiest conditions are most likely in the west and northwest. The chance of a colder spell of weather, with hazard such as snow and ice, does increase later in December and into the New Year period. However, conditions are more likely to remain generally mild and wet."