Frigid weather lingers in Europe

12-21-2010 08:44 BJT

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Heavy snow and frigid temperatures continue pummeling major countries in Europe. British Airways says the arctic conditions will continue to cause major disruption to its operations, while Eurostar is trying to soothe stranded passengers. French civil aviation authorities also asked airlines to reduce their flights.

The heavy snow is taking its toll on London's holiday season traffic, both in the air, and on the ground.

At Heathrow Airport, only one runway was open for service. It was a drop in the bucket for the thousands of passengers who have been stranded since the snowstorm blanketed the city.

Other UK airports were open, but a large number of flights were cancelled, or subject to long delays. This left passengers with long, cold nights at the airport, despite the best efforts of the airlines.

Boris Johnson, mayor of London, said, "I think BA is doing everything they can to get those planes off the stand, get the people in the planes and get the planes in sky."

Heavy snow and frigid temperatures continue pummeling major countries in Europe. British Airways says the arctic conditions will continue to cause major disruption to its operations, while Eurostar is trying to soothe stranded passengers. French civil aviation authorities also asked airlines to reduce their flights.

Traffic on the ground was also severely affected.

Eurostar reported that its trains linking England to France were delayed or cancelled. It urged travellers to cancel or postpone their trips.

Fleur Wackett, Eurostrar traveler, said, "No one was doing anything , all the stairwways were blocked off."