Aberdeen Airport faced significant challenges this week as all operations were suspended due to heavy snow and icy conditions. This disruption marked the second consecutive day of cancelled flights and travel woes caused by the winter weather, impacting numerous passengers and several airline services.
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice, which remained effective until noon on Wednesday, January 7. The warning particularly affected northern and western Scotland, including areas like the Highlands and the Orkney and Shetland islands. Following forecasts predicting as much as 10cm of snow could accumulate, Aberdeen Airport had to take precautionary measures as freezing conditions created unsafe air travel conditions.
On Monday, operations at the airport were hampered, leading to several flights being cancelled or redirected, and staff struggled to de-ice planes due to the adverse weather. Reports indicated diversions of flights through Edinburgh Airport as crews worked throughout the night to manage the difficult conditions. Unfortunately, as de-icing efforts were unable to keep pace with the inclement weather, more cancellations were announced.
Passengers scheduled to fly to destinations such as London, Bergen, and Amsterdam experienced significant disruptions. For example, easyJet’s service to London Gatwick faced delays extending over three hours. Spokespersons from the airport urged travelers to check with their respective airlines for updates on flight statuses and highlighted the challenges of operating under these conditions.
“Our teams have been working throughout the night to clear snow and de-ice the airfield. Due to the freezing conditions, it’s been necessary to pause operations. Flights will resume when it is safe to do so,” stated a representative from Aberdeen Airport, emphasizing the safety of passengers and crew as the top priority.
With continued weather alerts and warnings issued for the surrounding regions, the impact was felt beyond just the airport. Over 100 schools across Aberdeenshire and the Highlands closed their doors, disrupting the first day back for students following their winter break. The closures were largely due to hazardous travel conditions for pupils and staff, as authorities considered the well-being of everyone involved.
“The closures are never taken lightly and involve several factors, including the ability of staff to travel safely,” said a spokesperson for Aberdeenshire Council. “While many schools attempted to open later than usual, road conditions made attendance difficult, if not impossible.”
The situation at Aberdeen Airport and across Scotland is part of broader winter weather struggles, with Transport Scotland advising road users to proceed with caution. “Travelers should take extra care on the roads and allow additional time for journeys,” noted Douglas Cairns, spokesperson for Transport Scotland. “The travel network has coped relatively well with challenges faced, but conditions remain precarious.
The repercussions of this cold snap reached beyond the airport and schools. Liverpool's John Lennon Airport also closed its runway due to similarly slippery conditions, exhibiting the widespread influence of the wintry weather across UK airports.
Despite the hurdles, operations at Aberdeen Airport resumed after 10am on Tuesday, once conditions improved enough for safe operations. Passengers were reminded, “We advise travelers to check flight statuses with their airlines, but rest assured we are doing everything possible to resume full services.”
Looking forward, authorities expect the severe winter weather to continue, with more snow and icy conditions forecasted. The Met Office warned of potential travel disruptions, especially affecting roads and railways, which could lead to continued delays and cancellations.
Persistent snowfall and icy temperatures have left many regions struggling under the weight of winter. The coldest night of the season was recorded over the weekend, with temperatures dropping to minus 13.3C at Loch Glascarnoch. This extraordinary chill serves as another reminder of the challenges facing Scotland during the winter months.
While the immediate crisis at Aberdeen Airport may have subsided for the time being, the combination of heavy snow and ice is expected to continue influencing travel and daily life across the region for the foreseeable future.