Major airlines have issued urgent warnings to passengers as the UK continues to battle the severe impacts of Storm Goretti, with further snow, ice, and heavy rain forecast to disrupt travel throughout the weekend.
Storm's Widespread Impact and Tragic Consequence
The ongoing winter storm has already had severe consequences across the country. A man in his 50s was killed in Cornwall after a tree fell onto his caravan. The extreme weather has also caused significant infrastructure damage, leaving nearly 22,200 homes without power in the South West this afternoon due to powerful winds.
Air travel has been severely affected. East Midlands Airport was forced to close its runway temporarily due to heavy snowfall, while Birmingham Airport also experienced a brief closure to clear snow and ice from its airfield, grounding flights.
Airlines Issue Direct Warnings to Travellers
Both Ryanair and Jet2 have proactively contacted customers about potential disruption to services from now until Monday, January 12, 2026. Jet2 published a travel alert stating that while they aim to operate flights as scheduled, passengers should be prepared for possible delays and longer waits at the terminal or onboard aircraft.
Ryanair specifically cited de-icing operations as a cause for potential disruption to and from UK airports today. Both carriers have urged all passengers to ensure their contact details are up to date on their booking profiles and to monitor official airline apps for real-time updates.
Ongoing Weather Threats and Travel Advice
The Met Office has extended weather warnings, indicating the danger is far from over. An amber alert for snow in Scotland remains active until Saturday afternoon, with further yellow warnings for snow, ice, and rain covering parts of England. These conditions raise the risk of localised flooding.
Rail travel is also facing continued challenges. In Wales and the South West, several lines remain blocked by fallen trees, and damaged signalling equipment in Cornwall will suspend services between Par and Newquay until Sunday evening. Replacement bus services are in operation on multiple routes.
For air passengers, it is crucial to know your rights. Under UK and EU regulations, if your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, the airline is obligated to provide care, including meals, refreshments, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation. Passengers should keep receipts for any reasonable expenses incurred due to the disruption to claim back from the airline.
