DUBAI // Heavy snow in Europe forced several flights to and from the UAE to be cancelled, diverted and delayed yesterday.
Emirates Airline grounded flight EK71/72 between Dubai International Airport and Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, while flight EK46 from Frankfurt to Dubai was unable to depart on time. It was eventually able to get away later.
Flight EK29/30, which was due to travel to and from London Heathrow, was rerouted to Gatwick because of the conditions.
"Emirates is closely monitoring the weather situation in the United Kingdom and Europe and the impact it will have over the next 24 hours," the airline said.
“London Heathrow and Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris have issued compulsory capacity restrictions.”
Etihad Airways said early morning congestion at Frankfurt forced it to divert flight EY01 to Munich.
“This will also result in a delay to [yesterday’s] return Frankfurt-Abu Dhabi EY02 service,” Etihad said.
“We are assisting our affected customers and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Emirates also apologised, adding: “The safety of our passengers and crew is of the highest priority and will not be compromised.”
The airline said all other flights were operating to schedule.
A spokesman for Heathrow Airport said 10 per cent of flights were cancelled yesterday – down from 20 per cent on Sunday – although that figure could increase if visibility deteriorated as expected.
Domestic flights were usually the first to be cancelled, he added.
osalem@thenational.ae
