UK Snowstorm Halts Flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Heavy snowfall in the UK has caused significant disruption to international flights, including those to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. On Monday, January 8, several airports, including Manchester, were forced to temporarily close runways, leading to delays and cancellations for travelers.

Manchester Airport's runways were shut down early on Monday morning due to snow accumulation, with crews using tractors to clear the snow around the aircraft. While the airport's two runways reopened later in the morning, the brief closure resulted in major delays. Flights scheduled to depart for Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including Etihad flights, were among those affected. Emirates flights from Dubai, Egypt, and Turkey also faced disruptions.

The snowstorm, which began on Sunday, January 5, hit the UK hard, causing widespread road and rail closures. The Met Office issued severe weather warnings for large parts of the UK on Monday. January 5 marked the coldest night of the winter season so far, with temperatures plunging to -13.3ºC in Loch Glascarnoch, located between Ullapool and Inverness.

The weather conditions have also triggered 166 flood warnings and 299 flood alerts across England. In Wales, three flood warnings and 34 flood alerts were issued. The Environment Agency has warned that flooding is expected in many areas, with some regions at risk of more severe conditions.

At Manchester Airport, travelers were advised that delays might continue even after the runways reopened. "Some departures and arrivals may still experience delays," the airport stated. Other airports like Liverpool's John Lennon, Leeds Bradford, and Aberdeen also reported delays due to the weather.

Despite efforts to resume normal operations, cold temperatures and snow are expected to persist across the UK, with the Met Office forecasting a return of colder air following a brief period of milder weather in the southern parts of the country. Travelers are advised to check with airlines for real-time updates on their flights and prepare for continued disruptions.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, especially to destinations like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, be sure to stay informed about the status of your flight as the snowstorm continues to impact airports and travel routes across the country.