Heathrow Airport has cancelled one third of its flights today due to heavy snow and freezing weather conditions.

The revised flight schedule, which was introduced by BAA before the snow fell, aims to ‘minimise passenger disruption’.

Normand Boivin, Heathrow chief operating office said: “This decision ensures that the greatest number of passengers can fly with the minimum amount of disruption.  It also means that those passengers whose flights are cancelled will know in advance, and can make alternative arrangements.”

However, the airport anticipates more than 70% of passengers will still be able to travel as airlines transfer them between flights.

Meanwhile other airports across the UK have also been affected by the adverse weather conditions that swept across the UK and Europe as over 10 cm of snow fell overnight.

Both Luton and Stansted airports closed for brief periods overnight.

Passengers due to travel today across all UK airports have been urged to double check the status of their airline before travelling.

A message on Heathrow website states:

“If you are travelling today or over the next couple of days, please check your flight’s status with your airline before setting out and allow extra time for your journey to the airport as the road and rail networks may be affected.”

There has been some disruption on the roads with up to 100 motorists reported to have been stuck on the M40 for four hours on Saturday night and tube delays have been occuring, but Transport for London (TfL) claims it is better prepared this year with 100,000 tonnes of salt for the roads.