Aberdeen Airport has faced significant disruptions as adverse winter weather has led to numerous flight cancellations and delays, primarily due to icy conditions and heavy snowfall. Passengers hoping to travel from the airport were left frustrated as operations were severely affected, forcing many flights to be either cancelled or diverted to Edinburgh Airport, according to reports from various news outlets.
The Met Office had issued a yellow snow and ice warning for large parts of Scotland, including the north-east, Highlands, and Orkney, indicating potential snowfall of up to 10cm. This warning came just as many schools across Scotland prepared to reopen after the winter holiday, with more than 100 schools reported closed on the first day back due to hazardous weather.
Following the inclement weather, Aberdeen Airport released apologies to customers for what they termed 'frustration delays.' A spokesperson noted the airport remained open but warned travelers to anticipate disruptions. "We understand how frustrating delays can be, especially during challenging weather conditions. While the airport is responsible for de-icing runways and taxiways to facilitate safe take-offs and landings, the de-icing of individual aircraft is managed by the airlines and their contracted ground handling teams," they explained.
On Monday, numerous flights were cancelled, particularly by British Airways and KLM, with the latter's afternoon flight to Amsterdam being cancelled along with various regional flights. Eastern Airways also had flights to Wick terminated due to delays and complications arising from de-icing challenges.
Despite the airport working diligently to de-ice runways and maintain the airfield's safety, the de-icing processes for individual aircraft became complicated. One passenger recounted their experience on an easyJet flight to London, which faced delays for over six hours due to acknowledged equipment shortages. The passenger described the situation as reminiscent of "Fawlty Towers," as tensions rose onboard with staff struggling to manage the unexpected crisis.
"Everyone had boarded on time, and we were under the assumption we would leave soon. We were told staff had to leave the airport to replenish their de-icer supply, which seemed ridiculous after sitting on the tarmac for hours. The pilot even appeared frustrated as it became evident the delays were snowballing, literally and figuratively," said the passenger, who opted to remain anonymous.
Flight operations continued to face challenges as the Met Office provided updates about the possibility of more snow and ice across the region. Officials warned of icy patches on untreated roads and pavements, hampering not just air travel but also ground transportation as motorists braved treacherous conditions.
Tuesday saw the situation escalate with Aberdeen Airport announcing all flights would be temporarily suspended to safely manage the de-icing process. This ban came after overnight snow clearing efforts revealed it was unsafe to operate flights amid continued freezing conditions.
An airport representative provided insight: "Our teams have been working through the night to clear snow and de-ice the airfield. Due to the freezing conditions, it has become necessary to pause operations. Flights will resume when it is safe to do so. We advise passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline and to take care traveling to the airport."
Customers were urged to stay informed and check for updates as Aberdeen Airport remained committed to restoring service as soon as conditions allowed. Meanwhile, more winter weather was expected, and travelers across Scotland were warned to prepare for potential impacts whether traveling by air, train, or road.
Overall, the challenges brought on by the winter weather have reverberated through Aberdeen Airport's operations, impacting not just flight schedules but also the experience of countless passengers eager to travel. With efforts underway to mitigate delays, the hope remains for clearer skies and smoother journeys as the weather stabilizes.