MANCHESTER airport has closed both its runways following heavy snowfall this morning.
The airport has claimed the "health and safety" of passengers is a priority after the Met Office released a yellow weather warning for ice and snow.
A spokesperson for Manchester Airport said: "Following a period of heavy snowfall, we have temporarily closed both runways.
"Health and safety will always be our top priority and operations will resume at the earliest opportunity.
"Passengers are advised to contact their airline for the most up-to-date flight information."
Read our Manchester airport blog below for the latest news…
- Louis Allwood
Where are today's weather warnings?
Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice from the Met Office are in force across the UK, including in the northwest of England.
- Louis Allwood
Flight diversions
According to flight tracking website FlightRadar24 a Virgin Atlantic flight from Atlanta was diverted from Manchester to London following the runway closures.
- Louis Allwood
Passengers hit with '2 hour delays'
Following the closure of both runways at Manchester airport, many travelers have been hit with severe delays.
One passenger took to social media to say: "When Manchester Airport says "heavy snow" its barely an inch! 2 hour delay on the plane."
A second said: "Over 2hrs of snow delays at Manchester Airport. Just another hour to sit on the plane going nowhere."
- Louis Allwood
Met Office warning will last until midday
Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: "Cold air is continuing to push across the UK from the north and many areas have seen some snow, wintry conditions, and overnight frosts.
"National severe weather warnings have been issued across parts of western England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland with more warnings likely to be issued over the coming days."
- Louis Allwood
Those heading out need to check routes
- Louis Allwood
Airport 'must take action'
A spokesperson for the airport told the BBC this morning that once snow is deeper than 3mm they must take action to clear the runways and taxiways.
Fresh snowfall has caused a delay after the airport were ready to reopen.
- Louis Allwood
Road users warned
Drivers have been warned to "take it easy" on the roads this morning.
North West Motorway Police said: "Remember if you take extra care walking because of ice, you should be taking extra care driving."
- Louis Allwood
Travelers advised to contact airlines
Passengers are advised to contact their airline for the most up-to-date information.
Brits are bracing themselves for several days of travel chaos as the week-long freeze grips the nation.
- Louis Allwood
'Runways will remain closed'
The airport's statement reads: "Our runways remain closed as we continue to clear the airfield following a fresh
snow deposit in the last hour.Health and safety will always be our top priority and operations will resume at the earliest opportunity.
Passengers are advised to contact their airline for the most up-to-date flight information."
- Louis Allwood
Met Office warning
Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice from the Met Office are in force across the UK, including in the northwest of England.
The mercury plunged to a biting -9C yesterday, and forecasters say it will struggle to climb above zero in England, Scotland and Wales this morning.
The white out has disrupted Britain's roads, railways and runways, with Manchester Airport announcing it is temporarily shut down.
- Louis Allwood
Manchester airport closes both runways
Manchester Airport has closed both its runways after heavy snowfall overnight.
No flights will come in or out until further notice amid the bone-chilling cold snap.
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