Dubai: Airlines operating from the UAE have warned passengers of possible delays on flights heading to the UK due to continued poor weather.
UK flight cancellations: Snow and extreme weather saw over 1,250 flights cancelled as Heathrow Airport and 358 planes grounded on Friday, according to the UK media.
Weathermen reported a record -5.2°C for the lowest daily maximum temperature in the UK for March.
At 61mph (98.17 kph), the strongest wind gusts on March 1, was recorded on northeast coast of England.
Emirates has confirmed that it has resumed flights to the UK, but the stormy weather is likely to affect the schedules.
Delays
Flights from Abu Dhabi are also experiencing delays as according to an Etihad Airways spokesperson, some of their flights from the UK and Ireland are experiencing delays to due to heavy snow, ice and high winds — which is expected to continue throughout the week.
“We are doing all we can to minimise the effect of poor weather conditions on our flight schedules, and have plans in place for those affected. For those impacted by the situation, we are offering guests due to travel between 1 to 3 March the option to rebook even if their flight is still due to fly as planned,” an Etihad Airways spokesperson said in a statement.
Impacted guests can call the Etihad Airways Global Contact Centre on +971 (0) 2599 0000 (UAE), or their local Contact Centre found at etihad.com/contacts.
Those holding bookings over the next few days have been advised to check the status of their flights at atetihad.com/flightstatus or through the Etihad Airways mobile app before proceeding to the airport.
“We apologise for the inconvenience, however the safety and security of our guests and staff is our top priority at all times,” spokesperson added.
UK weather update
Weather warnings for snow and icy conditions remained in place across much of the UK even as temperatures are rising gradually in many areas.
Britain still reels in the wake of an extreme weather behind the worst snowstorm in 27 years.
On Saturday, flood alerts have been issued — due to the melting snow. Meanwhile, icy roads are expected to cause treacherous driving conditions across swathes of the UK Saturday.
Conditions are expected to ease this weekend. But weathermen has issued snow and ice warnings for most of the country valid until Monday.
Flood warnings were issued on Saturday due to the melting snow, which in Scotland had led to snow drifts up to 10 feet (three metres) deep, according to ScotRail.
While Ireland's most severe weather warning was lifted, the government urged caution.
Storm Emma met with a blast of Siberian cold air dubbed the "Beast from the East” to create the worst conditions experienced since 1991, according to weathermen.
Two hospitals in Somerset are appealing for 4x4 drives to help provide transport for essential hospital and community health staff over the weekend.
