Awkward Snow Times It Wrong

PASSENGERS suffered delays and cancelations throughout the day at Manchester Airport - after just 3mm of snow. 

“We are confident we have got the resources in place to deal with any problems over the coming days. It’s just a case of clearing it once it happens.” 

Nine flights were cancelled and dozens more experienced delays of up to seven hours. It was after 1pm by the time the first plane took off. 

Several angry travellers took to Twitter to announce their displeasure with the airport, with one describing the situation as 'pathetic'. 

A spokesperson for the airport blamed the timing of the snowfall for the scale of the disruptions. 

She said: “We usually clear it quickly. The problem is the snowfall came at peak time. The delays now are a knock on effect from this morning as we try to clear the backlog.” 

She added that the airport is confident of having the problems sorted by the end of the day. 

“We don’t expect anyone will be sleeping in the airport or anything like that,” she said. 

Earlier in the day false rumours circulated saying the airport had closed, causing further frustration with passengers. Another turned to Twitter to complain that he had been stuck on the plane waiting to take off for over three hours with no idea when they would depart.

Despite taking criticism for being inadequately prepared for the rather predictable winter weather, the airport insists they are equipped to deal with further snow and ice. 

With more bad weather on the way over the next few days, the airport’s spokeswoman said: “We are confident we have got the resources in place to deal with any problems over the coming days. It’s just a case of clearing it once it happens.” 

But given the fact airport staff have to clear the equivalent of 19 football pitches and that there is a chance of more snowfall by the time the sun rises on Saturday, passengers will just hope they can clear the runways a little faster next time.