Major airlines have issued urgent warnings to passengers as Storm Goretti sweeps across the United Kingdom, bringing treacherous conditions of ice and snow that threaten to cause significant travel disruption this weekend.
Airlines Issue Warnings and Advise Passengers
Both Ryanair and Jet2 have released statements urging customers to prepare for potential last-minute changes to their travel schedules. Ryanair highlighted potential disruption to flights to and from the UK, primarily due to necessary de-icing procedures on runways. The airline advised all affected passengers to monitor updates via the Ryanair app.
Jet2 stated it is closely monitoring the weather situation from Saturday until Monday following fresh alerts from the Met Office. The airline plans to operate flights as close to schedule as possible but acknowledged that deteriorating conditions could lead to some disruption. Passengers are advised to travel to airports as usual but to pay close attention to updates from the airlines' operational teams.
Severe Weather Impact and Tragic Consequences
The storm's impact has been severe and, in one case, fatal. Police confirmed that a man in his 50s died in Cornwall after a tree fell onto his caravan in the Mawgan area of Helston on Thursday evening. Emergency services worked through Friday to recover his body.
The severe weather has already caused major operational issues at airports. Birmingham Airport suspended runway operations on Thursday night due to heavy snow, while Heathrow cancelled dozens of flights. Photographs showed aircraft grounded and covered in thick layers of snow and ice.
Ongoing Met Office Warnings
Although the storm has eased slightly, the Met Office has a series of warnings in place. A yellow warning for snow and ice was active until 3pm on Saturday, with further snowfall expected across northern England and much of Scotland. Forecasters predicted an additional 2-5cm of snow in warned areas, with 10-20cm possible on ground above 200 metres.
The forecast for Sunday remains concerning. Yellow weather warnings cover the north of England, all of Northern Ireland, and the whole of Scotland for a mixture of rain, wind, snow, and ice. Central Scotland is under a more serious amber warning for snow from 3am until 2pm on Sunday, where up to 30cm could accumulate on higher ground.
Passengers due to travel are strongly encouraged to contact their airline directly for the latest flight status and to allow extra time for their journeys.
