LAST UPDATE | 12 Dec 2022

A TOTAL OF 73 flights were cancelled at Dublin Airport today as the cold snap continued to take its toll on air travel.

Air passengers have been asked by Dublin Airport to check their flight status in advance after the closure of Stansted and Gatwick Airports last night.

While Dublin Airport was “fully operational this morning”, the airport confirmed that “a small number of flights were cancelled for today, while some may be subject to delays, mainly due to weather disruption at UK airports”. 

In a statement this evening, daa spokesperson Graeme McQueen said that “with some potential for sleet at Dublin Airport this evening, our runways and taxiways have been pre-emptively sprayed”. 

As of 7pm this evening, 73 flights have been cancelled at Dublin Airport; 41 outbound and 32 inbound, McQueen added. 

This was “due mainly to poor weather conditions at UK airports,” he said.  

Dublin Airport is fully operational this morning. A small number of flights have been cancelled for today, while some may be subject to delays, mainly due to weather disruption at UK airports. Passengers should check with their airline for the latest info regarding their flight. pic.twitter.com/63nEB70v4y

— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) December 12, 2022

Stansted and Gatwick airports had to close temporarily in order to clear snow from their runways and yellow warnings of ice, fog and snow are in place for much of the UK.

Stansted Airport last night said: “Delays to flights were experienced earlier due to de-icing of aircraft which is a ground handler’s responsibility and safety of aircraft and passengers is paramount.

“Passengers are advised to check with their airline for current status of their flights.”

In a statement to The Journal this morning, a spokesperson for Stansted Airport said: “The runway is open and fully operational, and flights are taking off and landing normally.”

However, the Stansted spokesperson added that “some flights may be delayed due to the adverse weather and passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest flight information.”

The spokesperson also confirmed that “the runway reopened at 3am this morning”.

Meanwhile, Gatwick posted on Twitter: “Sunday 11/ Monday 12 December: Snow and freezing weather may cause disruption at the airport. Passengers are advised to check flight status with their airline – and also local travel conditions – before departing for the airport.”

It resulted in Dublin Airport last night issuing a warning that “further cancellations are now expected” this morning into London airports.

In a message on twitter, Dublin Airport advised passengers to “check your flight status in advance with your airline”.

Some airlines have been forced to cancel flights tonight due to snow in the Greater London area resulting in the closure of Stansted Airport. Further cancellations are now expected in the morning into London airports. Please check your flight status in advance with your airline. pic.twitter.com/aWGF2Fftrt

— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) December 11, 2022

There was significant disruption to Dublin Airport on Friday, with over 140 flights to and from the airport cancelled, while over 50 flights were cancelled on Saturday.

The situation eased yesterday however, with 14 flight cancellations though there were a number of delays throughout the day.

The National Emergency Coordination Group met yesterday to discuss the current conditions and are expected to remain until at least Friday. 

A Status Orange weather warning for low temperatures and ice remains in place until midday. 

Additional reporting by Eoghan Dalton