Post date: Feb 05, 2012 7:3:18 PM
Around 15 centimetres (6 inches) of snow fell over Britain in 24 hours and temperatures dropped to almost -10 Celsius, forcing Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport, to reduce its service.
Many have criticised Heathrow, operated by British Airports Authority (BAA) for the reduced service - a reminder of December 2010 when heavy snowfall led to the virtual shutdown of Heathrow, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
London's Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport, cancels half its flights after snow and freezing temperatures hit much of England.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM (FEBRUARY 5, 2012) (ITN) - London's Heathrow Airport has cut around half of the 1,300 flights scheduled for Sunday (February 5) after snow and freezing temperatures hit much of England on Saturday.
"Lessons have been clearly learnt from history. The airport is open, the runway is clear of snow, the taxiways are cleared, the stands are cleared, the airport is operating. And it will take us time to get the schedule back on track because in weather conditions like today, we cannot make aircraft arrive and depart the same rate as a normal day," said Colin Matthews, chief of BAA.
London's Gatwick airport said it planned to operate as normal but warned passengers of possible disruptions.
BAA said that based on current weather forecasts, there was no need to make wholesale changes to Heathrow's flight schedule on Monday (February 6).
Road traffic was also affected when icy motorways sent vehicles into ditches or forced many drivers to abandon their cars.
Many, however, braved the freezing temperatures to enjoy their very own winter wonderland.
From building a snowman - to sliding down the hill - everyone was out to have fun.
"It's fun, it's really fun, we like playing snowball fights as well. It's quite enjoyable for little kids. It's packed out here today, and it's really good," said one boy in a crowded West London park.
Weather forecasters have said low temperatures, which have swept across Europe, could continue into next week.