Jet2 and Ryanair planes on a UK runway. Both airlines have announced delays this weekend January 4 and 5, 2025. Winter woes: Flight frenzy as snow snags UK travel plans!
Credit: Shutterstock, zsamatotoh
Britons brace for travel turmoil this weekend, January 4 and 5, as Jet2 and Ryanair issue urgent warnings of flight delays and cancellations. With severe winter weather set to blanket the UK, holidaymakers may find their festive cheer turned into fumbled frosty frustration.
As previously reported by Euro Weekly News, the Met Office has thrown down the gauntlet, issuing Amber weather alerts for snow and ice across parts of England, Wales, and Scotland. Temperatures are plunging to an eyeball-chilling -10°C in Scotland, setting the stage for a dangerous saga on UK roads and runways.
Last Christmas saw its fair share of travel nightmares, and this weekend threatens to do the same. The first weekend of January 2025 is shaping up to be another battleground for Britons fighting against blustery blasts and biting cold.
Jet2.com has sounded the travel alarm, advising passengers to stay vigilant and check their journey details before hitting the tarmac. “Our operations team continue to monitor the UK forecast to ensure we have the most up-to-date information for all Jet2.com departing and arriving customers on January 4 and January 5, 2025,” said a Jet2 spokesperson. “We plan to operate our flights as close to schedule as possible, however, there may be some disruption should the weather deteriorate. We advise all customers to check in as scheduled (our check-in desks close 40 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time) and our friendly Red Teams in the terminal will keep you up to date.”
Not to be outdone, Ryanair has also issued a stark statement: “There are potential disruptions to and from the UK today due to snow and ice.” Passengers are advised to keep their Ryanair app handy for the latest flight updates. “We regret any inconvenience caused to passengers by these weather conditions, which are outside of Ryanair’s control and affect all airlines operating to and from the UK on Saturday, January 4,” the airline added.
Jason Kelly, Met Office Chief Forecaster, warned of winter chaos: “This weekend will bring a range of weather hazards to the UK, notable snow accumulations, freezing rain, ice and heavy rain as well as some gusty conditions. We have issued a number of severe weather warnings, including Amber warnings for snow and ice in parts of England and Wales. Some significant accumulations of snow are possible across parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England in particular, where five cm or more could accumulate fairly widely, with as much as 20-30 cm over high ground of mid and north Wales and potentially 30-40 cm over parts of the Pennines. This, accompanied by strengthening winds, may lead to drifting of lying snow.”
With roads turning into icy traps, thousands of motorists risk hefty fines for driving offences as patrols ramp up. The slippery conditions could lead to drifted snow, black ice, and daunting delays for anyone daring to drive this weekend.
Both Jet2 and Ryanair have extended heartfelt apologies for the impending disruptions, prioritising passenger comfort and safety above all. They have promised to get passengers on their way as swiftly as possible.
As snowflakes swirl and temperatures drop, Britons are urged to bundle up, stay informed, and prepare for a weekend of delays. Whether you’re flying high or driving through, this January weekend is set to test the resilience of the UK’s travellers.
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