Snow joke: Why snow and ice creates such an operational challenge

The arrival of snow and ice in the UK inevitably leads to headlines about travel disruption, including flights. But what does that really mean and why is snow such an operational challenge?

Obviously, no one ever likes to be delayed, but snow can have a serious impact in a way few people really appreciate. The airport and airlines will be working incredibly hard to keep people moving, but the task shouldn’t be underestimated – it’s not just a case of getting the ploughs out.

If aircraft, runways, taxiways and aprons are contaminated with snow or ice then they will need to be cleared. This inevitably takes time, which in turn reduces airfield capacity, both in terms of the runway and freeing up stand space for new arrivals. If the snow is heavy, the controllers in the tower will also be operating using ‘Low Visibility Procedures’ where aircraft have to move around the airfield more slowly and be kept further apart.

All this is done purely to keep people safe, but it unavoidably slows the whole operation.

Depending on the severity of the weather and situation on the ground, it might also be necessary for us to work with the airlines and airports to agree what are called ‘flow regulations’ to reduce the number of flights arriving into the airspace. This is to ensure arriving traffic levels do not exceed what the airport has capacity for on the ground while they’re busy de-ice aircraft and clearing snow. These measures are never introduced lightly, but might see aircraft being diverted or delayed at their departure airport before taking off. Its usually better to wait on the ground than end up circling in the air.

If all these factors conspire together, it creates an extremely challenging operational environment and that’s even before you factor in the difficulty of getting people – passengers and employees – to and from the airport as well.

So whenever you read headlines about snow causing flight delays, remember there will be teams of people from across the airlines, airports and air traffic control doing their very best to keep you moving, but more importantly, to keep you safe.