THOUSANDS OF people are facing an uphill battle to make it home for Christmas as the severe weather across continental Europe, Britain and Ireland, which has seriously disrupted transport, is set to continue.
Met Éireann warned of further snowfalls, particularly in coastal counties of Leinster, and more extremely cold conditions with sub-zero temperatures bringing frost, ice and freezing fog.
Chief forecaster Gerald Fleming said a thaw was not now expected until Christmas Day.
At Dublin airport some 40,000 passengers booked on 230 flights had their travel plans disrupted as the airport closed shortly after noon and Aer Lingus, Ryanair and Aer Arann cancelled all flights.
The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) said the airport would be closed until at least 8am today.
“Visibility on the apron areas remains really bad, although staff are out there working away in the face of very bad weather conditions, while falling temperatures will present another challenge,” a spokeswoman said.
Shannon and Knock airports were operating yesterday, however passengers are warned that ongoing weather conditions may cause disruption to flights scheduled to operate today and are advised to check with their airlines in advance of flying.
A spokeswoman for the DAA said last night that discussions would take place between air traffic controllers and the various airlines this morning to deal with the “logistical challenge” caused by yesterday’s cancellations.
She said incoming flights could not be accepted until aircraft stands on the ground were available to take them and that flights would begin to be prioritised on that basis.
Ryanair advised the DAA last night that customers with flights booked before 8am should not travel to the airport but should instead rebook flights through their website. It advised passengers who are booked to fly from 8am onwards not to travel to the airport unless they have confirmed reservations.
A spokeswoman for Aer Lingus said the airline was at an advanced stage of hiring in extra aircraft to accommodate passengers in coming days. She advised intending passengers to check the airline’s website.
The Commission for Aviation Regulation said the cold weather was causing “widespread flight disruption” across Europe but advised travellers that they “have certain rights and entitlements under EC regulations”.
European Union transport commissioner Siim Kallas said he was considering forcing airports to provide airlines with a minimum level of infrastructure support during severe weather after more than 3,000 flights were cancelled across Europe.
“In recent days, I have become increasingly concerned about the problems relating to the infrastructure available to airlines – airports and ground handling – during this severe period of snow,” Mr Kallas said.
His spokeswoman told reporters the commission was working on a package of regulations to cover airports, and that rules on minimum service could be imposed.
There was disruption on the roads during rush hour yesterday evening, with the M50 and M4 particularly badly affected.
Dublin Bus cancelled its Nightlink service last night and curtailed all services at 10pm. The company said it would be monitoring the situation closely today. Bus Éireann services are subject to road conditions. Iarnród Éireann and Luas expect services to run fully from early morning although Iarnród Éireann said there may be slight delays.
In west Donegal a number of petrol stations had to ration fuel after treacherous road conditions prevented delivery trucks travelling from Derry, although deliveries have now resumed.
Many schools across the country were closed yesterday and a number of schools in the Leinster area, particularly in south Dublin, will remain closed today.
A spokesman for Dublin Port said it expected to remain open and that all berths were operational. Irish Ferries and Stena Line have reported a surge in bookings as air passengers attempt to get home by sea.