UK snow travel disruption as flights cancelled and trains suspended

Published: 05 January 2025
The English Chronicle Desk
The English Chronicle Online

UK snow travel disruption intensified today as heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures forced widespread flight cancellations, rail shutdowns and the closure of hundreds of schools, with forecasters warning that the severe cold snap is set to persist for the rest of the week. Transport networks across the country struggled to cope as Arctic air tightened its grip, pushing temperatures to their lowest levels of the winter so far and leaving large parts of the UK facing hazardous conditions.

Airports including Liverpool John Lennon, Aberdeen, Inverness and Belfast International were among the worst affected, with runways rendered unusable by snow and ice. Airlines cancelled multiple services, while passengers were advised to check flight status before travelling. Loganair confirmed the suspension of several routes in Scotland, while airport operators warned that further delays and cancellations were possible as conditions remained volatile.

Rail services were hit just as severely. LNER issued an unprecedented “do not travel” warning across the entire East Coast Mainline for the remainder of the day, citing multiple weather-related disruptions. ScotRail suspended services on several northern routes, including between Dundee and Aberdeen and Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh, where deep snow buried tracks. In Wales, National Rail reported blocked lines between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog, Machynlleth and Pwllheli, and routes towards Manchester via Shrewsbury.

Eurostar also urged passengers travelling between London and the Netherlands to postpone their journeys, as trains were unable to operate beyond Brussels due to severe weather conditions on the continent. All services scheduled to depart from the Netherlands were cancelled, adding to travel misery for thousands returning to work after the festive period.

The Met Office confirmed that the UK faces its coldest night of the winter so far, with temperatures expected to fall to -12C in parts of northern England and Scotland. London is forecast to drop to an unusually bitter -6C overnight, while widespread sub-zero conditions are expected again tomorrow morning. The mercury plunged to -10.9C at Shap in Cumbria overnight, marking England’s coldest night of the season.

Scotland has borne the brunt of the snowfall, with more than 52 centimetres recorded in parts of Banffshire. Amber weather warnings remain in force, with officials cautioning that rural communities could become cut off. Snow gates were closed on key routes such as the A939 between Tomintoul and Cockbridge, while police urged motorists to avoid non-essential journeys.

Meteorologists have warned of a potential “multi-hazard event” later this week, as a low-pressure system is expected to move in from the west. This could bring a dangerous mix of snow, heavy rain and strong winds, particularly on Thursday and Friday. While milder air is forecast to arrive by the weekend, snow could still fall in southern regions on the leading edge of the system before temperatures rise.

Health officials expressed growing concern over the impact of the prolonged cold. The UK Health Security Agency has an amber cold health alert in place across England until Friday morning, warning of increased risks to vulnerable groups. Dr Agostinho Sousa said the freezing conditions could lead to a rise in heart attacks, strokes and respiratory infections, particularly among those aged over 65 or with pre-existing health conditions.

Hospitals and emergency services are bracing for additional pressure, while the NHS advised older and vulnerable people to keep homes heated to at least 18C, remain active indoors and wear warm clothing. Government guidance also urged people to avoid sitting still for long periods and to check on neighbours who may be at risk.

Hundreds of schools across Scotland, northern England, Wales and Northern Ireland were closed as icy conditions made travel unsafe. Local authorities said decisions were taken to protect pupils and staff, with further closures possible if weather warnings remain in place.

Road conditions deteriorated rapidly, with multiple collisions reported on major routes including the M6, M53 and A50. The AA warned of a “Manic Monday” for breakdown services, predicting high demand due to flat batteries and frozen components after vehicles stood idle during the holiday period. Drivers were urged to carry warm clothing, food and fully charged phones if travel was unavoidable.

Trade unions called on employers to show flexibility. The Trades Union Congress urged companies to allow staff to work from home where possible, stressing that no worker should feel pressured into making dangerous journeys during severe weather.

Despite the disruption, forecasters said some inland areas may see brighter spells later today, though snow showers are likely to persist in northern and eastern regions. Temperatures are expected to gradually recover by the weekend, with parts of southern England potentially reaching double figures, although officials warned that conditions could change rapidly.