Leeds Bradford Airport faced significant disruptions on January 5, 2025, as heavy snowfall blanketed parts of Yorkshire, leading to closed runways and delayed flights. The Met Office had previously issued amber weather warnings for the area, predicting "notable snow accumulations" and advising against all but necessary travel. According to Jason Kelly, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, the region could be hit with "freezing rain, ice, and heavy rain" along with gusty conditions.
Jet2, one of the airlines operating out of Leeds Bradford, announced they had to delay multiple flights as the weather deteriorated. The airline stated, "The Met Office has warned of snow and ice in parts of the UK for the coming days. Our operations team have been closely monitoring this information..." Following this, several flights scheduled for January 5 saw changes, including delays and cancellations.
Among the affected flights were routes to popular destinations such as Alicante, Faro, Geneva, and Malaga. For passengers planning to travel, Jet2 emphasized the importance of checking updated flight information through their website, reiterative specifics for either new departure times or any necessary changes due to the extreme weather.
Meanwhile, the chaotic scene extended beyond the airport, as transport services across Leeds also struggled to cope. Train services were suspended, with lines between Leeds and Halifax blocked due to the weather. Affected rail operators informed passengers via social media, stating, "Due to forecasted severe weather between Leeds and Halifax, the line is blocked. Services running through these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day."
Public bus service disruptions were also prevalent; all First bus services were returned to the depot as conditions worsened. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority announced, "Due to the current weather conditions, the decision has been made by the management team to return ALL buses back to the depot." This decision ensured the safety of passengers and drivers alike as the snow continued to pile up.
At Leeds Bradford Airport, teams were reportedly working tirelessly to clear the runway to resume operations as soon as the conditions allowed. The airport communicated to its customers, stating, "The runway is currently closed; our teams are working hard to clear snow and minimize the impact on flight schedules. Please contact your airline for the most up-to-date information." To facilitate passenger needs, the long stay and car rental shuttle bus was paused until at least 10:00.
Travelers were advised to walk cautiously to the terminal due to slippery conditions, as authorities stressed the importance of safety amid the wintry weather. Most morning departures were either canceled or rescheduled to later slots, with affected passengers receiving notifications directly from their respective airlines.
Leeds Bradford was not alone, as other airports like Manchester and Newcastle also faced runway closures due to continuous heavy snow impacting operations. The situation emphasized how the inclement weather dramatically interfered with travel plans across the region.
Looking forward, both airport officials and weather experts continued to monitor conditions closely, with travel updates repeatedly encouraging people to stay informed through official channels. For those flying, it was recommended to check itineraries frequently so adjustments could be made as necessary.
The travel disruptions were indicative of the unpredictability of winter weather and its capacity to impact even the most carefully laid plans. With forecasts continuing to warn of additional adverse conditions, passengers were left waiting to see how long it would take for operations to normalize.
The upcoming days remain uncertain, as the Met Office's predictions indicate the potential for more weather challenges. Travelers and transport authorities alike are left hoping for clearer skies and safer conditions after one of the more chaotic mornings witnessed at Leeds Bradford Airport and throughout the broader West Yorkshire area.