Wintry Conditions Shutter Liverpool John Lennon Runway: Which Flights Are Cancelled?

Wintry weather conditions have severely disrupted operations at Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA). The airport was forced to close its runway early this morning. This action was necessary to allow teams to clear snow and ice from the surface. The closure has led to widespread flight cancellations due to weather and significant delays for both departing and arriving services.

An official statement from the airport confirmed the situation. "Due to the wintry weather conditions, our runway is currently closed," the statement read. Teams are actively working to clear the snow and ice. Passengers traveling today must check with their airline for the latest information. A further update was expected at 09:00 local time.

Operational Impact and Affected Airlines

The closure has heavily impacted the morning schedule. Major low-cost carriers like easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air are the most affected. The disruption has led to a cascade of delays and cancellations. This includes flights operated by Jet2, Loganair, and Aer Lingus.

Safety is the primary concern during winter operations. Snow and ice on the runway drastically reduce the friction needed for safe takeoffs and landings. Airport authorities must adhere to strict safety protocols. These protocols mandate runway clearing and de-icing before operations can resume. The cost of delaying operations is high, but safety remains paramount.

Key Departures and Arrivals

As of the initial reports, numerous flights were either cancelled or facing long delays. Several early morning departures were immediately affected. For instance, the 6:10 easyJet flight to Malaga was delayed until 10:00. The 6:20 easyJet service to the Isle of Man was cancelled outright. Other early cancellations included easyJet flights to Amsterdam, Belfast, Derry, and Prague. The 8:10 Jet2 flight to Funchal was also cancelled.

Arrivals faced similar issues, with several being diverted. Wizz Air flights from Gdansk and Warsaw Chopin were diverted to East Midlands Airport. A Ryanair arrival from Kaunas was diverted to Manchester. Other inbound flights, such as the 8:15 easyJet service from the Isle of Man, were cancelled.

• Total Cancellations: Over a dozen flights were cancelled by mid-morning.
• Major Delays: Flights to destinations like Dublin, Geneva, and Krakow faced multiple-hour delays.
• Diversions: Three early morning international arrivals were sent to alternative UK airports.

Passenger Rights and Regulatory Context

Passengers facing flight cancellations due to weather have specific rights under UK law (UK261, which mirrors EU Regulation 261). Airlines must offer passengers a choice. This includes a full refund or re-routing to their final destination. This re-routing must be provided at the earliest opportunity. Additionally, airlines must provide "care and assistance" for long delays. This includes meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is necessary.

However, the situation is classified as an "extraordinary circumstance." This means the weather event is outside the airline's control. Therefore, passengers are typically not entitled to fixed-sum compensation (up to £520) for the delay or cancellation. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) clarifies that extreme weather is a valid reason to deny compensation. Travelers should consult their airline or travel insurance for specific guidance.

This story will be updated throughout the day as the airport clears the runway and schedules are revised. For the latest commercial aviation news and industry analysis, visit flying.flights.