Severe snowy conditions have wreaked havoc across Europe, leading to the closure of multiple major airports in the UK and Germany on January 5, 2025. With forecasts predicting up to 25 cm of snow, the UK has faced significant travel disruptions, affecting numerous flights and ground transportation systems.
The UK Met Office issued weather warnings for many regions, including most of Northern Ireland and large parts of Scotland and central England. By the morning of January 5, Leeds Bradford Airport became one of the first to announce the temporary closure of its runway, as thick snow impacted flight schedules. Travelers were advised to contact their airlines for the latest updates on flight statuses.
Similar announcements came from other busy airports. Manchester Airport, the third-largest in the UK based on passenger numbers, temporarily closed its runway due to heavy snowfall. Staff worked diligently to clear the snow, allowing for limited operations to resume around 9:45 AM. Meanwhile, Liverpool's John Lennon Airport followed suit, closing its runway but managing to reopen by 10:15 AM.
At Newcastle International Airport, the situation was dire as officials reported experiencing "heavy and continuous snowfall," which caused widespread interruptions to flight schedules. Birmingham Airport experienced closures during the early hours of January 5 to allow cleaning crews to clear the runway, yet operations resumed later thanks to overnight work.
Other airports, such as Bristol, also felt the impact of the harsh weather. Bristol had already closed its runway on January 4 due to severe conditions, reopening later but cautioning travelers of potential continuing delays for outbound flights. Each airport echoed similar sentiments, with representatives reminding passengers to check on their airlines for up-to-date information as many flights continued to be affected.
The disruptions weren't confined to the air, as rail services across England, Scotland, and Wales faced interruptions due to icy conditions. The National Rail stated, "Snow and ice could lead us to impose speed restrictions or temporarily close lines to keep trains running safely," thereby affecting the reliability of train operations across the service area.
Updates were also coming from the German side, where Frankfurt Airport, Germany's largest, faced cancellations as well. Reports indicate a total of 120 out of approximately 1,090 flights scheduled for the day were canceled, primarily due to thick snow and poor visibility conditions. Only one runway was operational at Munich Airport, creating additional chaos for travelers who relied on these major transport hubs.
The adverse conditions impacted not only airlines but also ground transportation infrastructure. National Highways, the government body responsible for the major roads, issued warnings urging travelers to exercise caution during this latest weather onslaught.
Local authorities across both countries are advocating for residents and travelers to remain vigilant and minimize non-essential travel during the extreme weather, thereby ensuring safety amid the chaos.
Although the weather has created considerable disruption, the hope is for services to normalize as clearing efforts progress. Airports and transport authorities are working tirelessly to manage the aftermath of the heavy snowfall, with travelers encouraged to stay updated and exercise patience as they navigate the troubled travel days. The dire warnings remain active, with authorities emphasizing the unpredictability of winter weather.
With more snowfall predicted and icy conditions expected to linger, both the UK and Germany are bracing for continued travel turmoil. Travelers are reminded to check regularly for updates from their airlines and the latest weather forecasts to stay informed about changing conditions.