People flying from Glasgow and Edinburgh airports over the festive period have been warned they may face disruption thanks to snow. Both Scottish hubs, which will see thousands of passengers jetting off for the Christmas break, might find issues with their travelling if the predicted flurries arrive.
Delays and cancellations are expected if we get a White Christmas – and there could be further problems for those jetting off in the days following the 25th.
Odds of snow falling at Glasgow Airport on Christmas Day are sitting at 5/1, and it is 6/1 that it could affect Edinburgh Airport, according to BoyleSports.
While the airports won’t be as busy as normal that day, there will still be a large number of people travelling. In 2023 figures showed that Edinburgh airport handled more than 7,000 passengers on Christmas Day.
Meanwhile in that same year, Glasgow airport processed more than 10,000 departing passengers on three days over Christmas 22, 28 and 29 December, according to the Independent.
While the highest chance of Christmas Day snow at a European airport is at Milan Malpensa, Glasgow is second in the table, while Edinburgh is in third position. Other UK airports at risk of having snow include Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Belfast International Airport and London City.
Dublin Airport is another hub listed at 10/1. It is one of the busiest airports in Ireland, particularly during the winter season. Snow could impact domestic and international flights, especially those travelling to and from the UK and Europe for events like the Leopardstown Christmas Festival.
The risk of snow is lower at airports such as Cardiff Airport and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, both listed at 12/1, However, even with these relatively lower odds, travellers may still experience minor disruptions depending on the severity and timing of any snowfall if it is to occur.
Although odds on snowfall aren’t specifically provided for Heathrow Airport, they are preparing for a 21 per cent surge in passenger numbers on Christmas Day. This rise in holiday traffic is expected to be felt across the UK and beyond.
For those planning to fly out of or into Madrid-Barajas Airport, the odds of snowfall are far less concerning at 25/1 (3.85%), making it the least likely of the listed airports to see any impact from winter weather on Christmas Day.
As millions of Britons prepare to travel this Christmas, they’re being warned to brace for potential delays across roads, railways, and airports. While the anticipated increase in festive traffic is a major factor, the weather could pose an extra challenge.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is advising travellers to stay informed about their rights in case their flights are delayed or cancelled. Under UK regulations, airlines are obligated to assist stranded passengers, including providing food, drinks, and overnight accommodation when necessary.
With the holiday season in full swing, it’s more important than ever for passengers to be prepared for any unexpected disruptions that might arise from both high travel volumes and unpredictable weather.
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