Heathrow runs at 98% capacity for landings and take offs, whereas other airports generally operate at below 50%. International air safety rules require that the spacing between aircraft is increased while the present weather conditions persist. That's no problem for airports where there are already several minutes between each flight movement, but totally impossible for an airport which needs to have movements at a rate of greater than one per minute if it is to maintain a full service. (Further, some flights get delayed or cancelled simply because of delays at the airports where the aircraft have come from).
Even if Heathrow had heated runways, with not a fleck of snow on the ground, it would be impossible for it to operate at its normal capacity while aircraft separations are increased in the air.
think poor visibility had something to do with it as well as snow, nowt you can do about that. Been snowing in London continuously since 7 this morning. Better to be safe than sorry. Buenchico is spot on.
Thetaliesin:
The money was spent to lessen the impact of poor weather conditions (so that only factors outside of the control of Heathrow Airport can delay flights). It was always recognised that nature tends to win against man!
Although they have spent £36 million, including on some better snow machines, it may not be enough ! Always an unfair comparison, but the city of Toronto alone budgets $82 million dollars a year for its winter measures. All right, we don't get that weather, but it's no excuse for having half-measures for what we do get
You seem to be very Intelligent in these matters Baldric, I will leave it to you vast experience in life & life's problems, so be my guest.
VHG, Terminal 5, If you remember, snow a few years ago, If you remember, Passengers sleeping on the floor, If you can remember, latest snow fall, If you remembers, Where were the passengers, If you remember??
I am not the one pouring derision upon them, you are, which led me to believe you may have come up with a solution to the the problem, but
as usual, when challenged you come up short!