Backlog clearance as airports reopen

PARIS airports have been allowed flights beyond their usual closing times to clear the backlog of Christmas travellers stranded by snow.

Yesterday about 30 per cent of flights at Paris Orly and Charles de Gaulle were cancelled as a new wave of snow passed over the south of England and the north of France.

Many flights at London airports were also delayed or cancelled. Heathrow, which still has only one runway functioning, is operating a reduced flight schedule today, with only 30 per cent of flights.

The airport has warned that flight cancellations could continue up until Christmas Day.

London City and Gatwick airports are both open this morning, but knock-on delays and cancellations are expected.

The UK government has also relaxed restrictions on night flying.

The situation on the roads is returning to normal across most of France as the temperature rises, except in Normandy, where roads are still icy.
Trains in the region are operating at reduced speeds and delays are inevitable.

TGV services on the TGV-Est and Nord lines are also operating at reduced speeds.

Eurostar has been struggling to cope with extra passengers and restricted services because of the snow.

It is asking all travellers with tickets booked before December 25 who are not making essential journeys to exchange them for a later date.
Tickets sales have been suspended until Boxing Day.

Passenger wishing to travel face huge queues as the company is still running a limited service.

Photo: Passengers faced long queues outside in freezing temperatures in London yesterday