The “Beast From the East” winter storm is closing airports in Scotland and Ireland, and is set to continue causing travel disruptions across the UK and Europe through Friday.
Dublin Airport reports that it is open after snow was cleared from its main runway and taxiways earlier today. However, significant cancellations and delays remain due to the weather. Ryanair has canceled all of its remaining flights to and from Dublin for the rest of today, while Aer Lingus has canceled a large number of its short-haul services. The airline said that it is still aiming to operate a full transatlantic schedule today.
In Scotland, Glasgow Airport reports that there will be no further flights to or from the airport for the remainder of the day. Further heavy snowfall continues to be forecast for the area, and the airport said that it would provide updates for tomorrow’s scheduled services this evening. Edinburgh Airport reports that it is expecting service disruption this afternoon due to the storm. Travelers are advised to check with their airline before departing for the airport.
In London, Heathrow Airport reports that its runways remain open after snow-clearing efforts, although there are no services in either direction on the Heathrow Express due to a broken down train. Transfer services are running between Heathrow terminals only. Severe delays are also present on the Underground’s Picadilly line. Gatwick Airport reports that flights are continuing to arrive and depart as normal despite some snowfall overnight. Stansted Airport is warning travelers to expect some flight disruptions.
Manchester Airport is advising travelers to allow extra time for travel to the airport due to potential rail issues.
Travel Waivers
A number of airlines have issued cancellation and change waivers in response to the storm.
British Airways warns that it is expecting adverse weather conditions through Friday. As a result, it has introduced more flexible rebooking options for customers on shot-haul flights to or from London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports. Customers who are scheduled to travel through those airports through Friday can rebook through March 21, subject to availability. The airline is reducing its flight schedule for Tuesday, and warns that it is likely it will have to proactively cancel some services and re-book customers on alternative flights. Travelers on cancelled flights can claim a full refund if they no longer wish to travel. Flight schedules for the rest of the week are still under review.
Customers on Ryanair traveling today can check the status of their flight here.
Travelers on Are Lingus can check the status of their flight here. Guests who were booked to travel Wednesday can rebook on the next available flight, free of charge. Guests who have bookings to travel through March 2 can postpone their flight free of charge, with rebooked travel to take place within seven days of their original travel date.
American Airlines has issued a travel waiver for customers flying through March 2 through London Gatwick and London Heathrow, with rebooked travel to take place through March 21 between the same city pair in the same cabin (or pay the difference).
United Airlines has issued a waiver for customers scheduled to fly through March 2 through Dublin Airport, Edinburgh Airport, Heathrow and Manchester, with new travel to take place on or before March 5 between the same city pair in the originally ticketed cabin (any fare class).
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