Britain's Airport Snowstorm Strategies: An Overview

Britain has faced travel chaos at its airports due to snowstorms, with some airports even closing their runways. In January 2025, four major airports across Britain shut down due to heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and sub-zero temperatures. This caused travel chaos, with hundreds of flights disrupted. Manchester Airport, for example, temporarily shut both its runways for the third day in a row due to heavy snow, diverting flights and causing delays. Bristol Airport also suspended all flights for a period due to the snow. While planes are designed to handle snow and ice, air traffic control often imposes strict safety limits, leading to delays and cancellations.

Airport closures

During snowstorms, airports in Britain have had to pause operations and close runways due to the weather. For example, in 2025, Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester, and Aberdeen airports all experienced disruptions and temporary closures due to snow and ice. Similarly, in 2018, Heathrow and Gatwick airports in London, as well as Manchester and Edinburgh airports, faced cancellations and delays due to snowstorms.

In more recent years, Manchester Airport, the country's third-largest by passenger numbers, has had to temporarily shut down its runways multiple times due to heavy snowfall. This has resulted in diverted flights and significant delays. Other airports that have been affected by snow closures include Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Leeds Bradford Airport, and Newcastle International Airport.

To mitigate the impact of snowstorms and improve resilience, airports can implement several measures. For instance, investing in advanced weather monitoring systems can enable early warnings and proactive measures. Regular staff training in responding to extreme weather events and conducting preparedness drills involving all stakeholders can also enhance their ability to manage such situations effectively. Additionally, having efficient snow-clearing equipment, such as airblast sweepers and snow ploughs, is essential for quickly resuming operations.

Runway closures

In January 2025, Liverpool John Lennon Airport closed its runway due to heavy snow, and it remained closed until mid-morning while snow and ice were cleared from the runway and other operational areas. Similarly, in March 2018, Birmingham Airport closed for several hours overnight to allow staff to clear snow from the runway. In the same month, Manchester Airport closed both its runways for three consecutive days due to heavy snow.

While runway closures are disruptive, they are necessary to ensure the safe operation of the airport. To mitigate the impact of closures, airports can invest in advanced weather monitoring systems and staff training to improve their resilience and response to extreme weather events. For example, Munich Airport in Germany can clear a runway in 25 minutes using airblast sweepers and snow ploughs, and they have a system where they can call on 500 local farmers and truckers for support during snowstorms.

Flight cancellations and delays

In January 2025, Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester, and Aberdeen airports experienced temporary closures due to snow and ice, with flights being delayed or cancelled. Similarly, in March 2018, a blast of cold weather dubbed "the Beast from the East" combined with Storm Emma, causing major disruptions at airports and grounding planes. Manchester, Edinburgh, Heathrow, and Gatwick airports reported cancellations and delays during this period.

When faced with heavy snowfall, airports work to clear runways and key operational areas to facilitate safe operations. This often results in delays and diversions for flights. For example, in January 2025, Manchester Airport temporarily shut both its runways for three consecutive days due to heavy snow, diverting flights and causing delays. Liverpool John Lennon Airport also closed its runway for snow clearing and anti-icing, affecting flight schedules.

During adverse weather, air traffic control often imposes strict safety limits, leading to increased spacing between arriving and departing aircraft. This causes airports to operate in "slow motion," according to travel expert Simon Calder. As a result, passengers may experience lengthy diversions, as seen with a flight from Stockholm to London that had to divert to Dublin to refuel due to fog-related spacing limits.

While airports have implemented measures to mitigate disruptions, such as investing in hardware and training to clear snow quicker, the impact of snowstorms and icy conditions on flight operations in the UK remains significant.

De-icing procedures

Aberdeen Airport also paused flights amid freezing conditions, with teams working through the night to de-ice the airfield. Manchester Airport, the country's third-largest airport, has experienced runway closures due to heavy snow on multiple occasions. In 2025, Manchester Airport temporarily shut both runways for three consecutive days, causing significant disruptions.

To enhance their de-icing capabilities, British airports have increased investments in hardware and training to clear snow more efficiently. This includes the utilization of snow ploughs and advanced weather monitoring systems. Additionally, airports in Britain aim to improve their resilience by drawing on the best practices of airports in other countries, such as Schiphol in the Netherlands and Munich in Germany, which have demonstrated effective strategies for handling extreme weather conditions.

The process of de-icing involves removing snow, ice, and frost from critical surfaces, such as runways and aircraft exteriors. De-icing procedures are crucial to ensuring the safety of aircraft operations during snowstorms. By clearing snow and ice, airports can prevent accidents caused by slippery surfaces and ensure that aircraft can take off and land safely. De-icing fluids or heated de-icing trucks may be used to expedite the process and prevent ice buildup.

Staff training

Training Content and Objectives

The primary objective of staff training is to prepare personnel to respond effectively to extreme weather events, including snowstorms. Training should cover various topics, such as understanding the impact of snow and ice on airport operations, safety protocols, and the use of specialised equipment for snow and ice management. Staff should be instructed on the importance of early warnings and proactive measures to minimise disruptions. For example, recognising the need to increase the spacing between arriving and departing aircraft during snowstorms to ensure safety, which may result in delays.

Regular and Comprehensive Training

Training should be conducted regularly to ensure that staff are well-prepared and confident in their ability to handle snowstorms. This includes both theoretical and practical components, encompassing classroom sessions, simulations, and on-the-job training. Regular drills and exercises involving all stakeholders can enhance preparedness and coordination during actual snowstorm events.

Learning from Best Practices

Training programmes can be enhanced by incorporating best practices from airports in other parts of the world that effectively manage extreme weather conditions. For instance, UK airport staff can learn from airports like Schiphol in the Netherlands, which handles extreme weather without closures, and Munich in Germany, which efficiently clears runways using specialised equipment and engages local support when needed.

Local Adaptation

Training should also consider the local context and historical data of snowstorms in the UK. While the UK has historically experienced a benign climate, climate change may bring more frequent and severe weather events. Therefore, training should be adaptable and continuously updated to address evolving challenges posed by snowstorms and other extreme weather conditions.

Interdepartmental Collaboration

Effective staff training involves collaboration between different airport departments and external stakeholders. This includes coordination with air traffic control, airlines, ground handling teams, emergency services, and local authorities. By fostering a cohesive and well-coordinated approach, staff can better manage the various challenges that snowstorms present, ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers, staff, and the wider community.

Frequently asked questions