Heathrow airport is to run a reduced flight schedule tomorrow (Sunday February 5), "in order to minimise the disruption to passengers caused by forecast snow and adverse weather".
BAA said that with a total of 5-10cm of snow expected to accumulate overnight, and with a 30 per cent chance of up to 15cm, it has taken the decision to cancel around 30 per cent of flights, The airport operator added that additional cancellations "may be made on a rolling basis".
BAA said that reduced visibility and possible freezing fog on Sunday would reduce capacity at Heathrow, adding that "without reductions to the flight schedule there would be significant disruption to flights and passengers at Heathrow".
However the operator said that it expects "the percentage of passengers who are able to fly to be higher than 70 per cent as airlines will transfer people between flights".
Heathrow's COO Normand Boivin, said: "This decision ensures that the greatest number of passengers can fly with the minimum amount of disruption. It also means that those passengers whose flights are cancelled will know in advance, and can make alternative arrangements or rebook in relative comfort."
As of 2115 on Saturday February 4, the Heathrow airport website homepage said:
"Tomorrow's updated flight schedules are available from your airline; please check your flight's status before setting out. Our website will be updated as information becomes available."
BA's website is carrying the following advice, last updated at 1835:
"Due to the adverse weather conditions forecast in the southeast of England this weekend, BAA, Heathrow airlines, and air traffic control have agreed to introduce a reduced flight schedule at Heathrow on Sunday 5 February in order to minimise disruption to passengers.
"We are complying with this request and have now published our revised Heathrow schedule for Sunday.
"We are currently planning to operate a normal schedule at London Gatwick and London City.
"This is subject to change at short notice, so please continue to check here for any further updates."
For more information visit baa.com, ba.com.
Report by Mark Caswell
