BAA, Heathrow airlines, and air traffic control have agreed to introduce a reduced flight schedule at Heathrow tomorrow in order to minimise the disruption to passengers caused by forecast snow and adverse weather.
70% of flights will operate at Heathrow on Sunday 5 February. A revised schedule showing which flights will operate will be published on www.heathrow.com around 18.00 today. A further revised schedule with additional cancellations may be made on a rolling basis. We expect the percentage of passengers who are able to fly to be higher than 70% as airlines will transfer people between flights. Passengers should contact their airline for more information.
Latest forecasts show that snow is expected to fall at Heathrow from 17.00 today until 06.00 tomorrow, with heavy snow fall between 21.00 and 03.00. A total of 5-10cm of snow is expected to accumulate, with a 30% chance of up to 15cm. Reduced visibility is expected during the day on Sunday with possible freezing fog from 1800. Such events will reduce the capacity of the airport and without reductions to the flight schedule there would be significant disruption to flights and passengers at Heathrow.
Introducing this reduced flight schedule will:
- minimise disruption for passengers;
- provide clear information for passengers about which flights will operate; and
- ensure that the greatest number of flights can operate without delay
Heathrow Chief Operating Officer, 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."
