Heathrow flights leaving, Dublin closed by snow

[December 23, 2010]  LONDON (AP) -- Christmas travel rebounded Thursday in Britain after days of snow-related delays, with most services running normally at Heathrow Airport and Eurostar, but heavy snow shut down Dublin Airport.

Dublin Airport suspended flights because heavy snow made the runway unsafe. Officials said the airport might reopen at 1:30 p.m. if conditions permit. Travelers were advised to check with their airlines, or check online, before going to Dublin Airport for flights.

Ireland has been hit by unusually heavy snow and frigid temperatures in recent days, causing widespread delays and shutdowns.

Cleanup efforts in London were aided by a slight rise in temperature that caused much of the ice to melt, easing pressure on rail lines and airfields.

Officials at London's Heathrow Airport said both runways were fully operational and "most" flights would operate, but passengers were urged to check online before arriving.

Eurostar also reported a general improvement in its rail system linking England to France and Belgium and said a "near normal" service would operate Thursday after several days of delays.

Millions of drivers would make Christmas holiday journeys over the next two days, likely snarling roads across Britain, groups said.

A night storm dumped snow on most of Denmark, hampering road, rail, and air traffic with up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) of snow.

Worst hit was the Danish Baltic Sea island of Bornholm, where police urged people to stay indoors. In the southern part of country, the Danish army mobilized armored personnel carriers to help ambulances and other emergency vehicles make their way through the snow.

[Associated Press]

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