Anger Mounts As Heathrow Halts Flights

Thousands of angry airline passengers are facing a second night at Heathrow and Gatwick airport after freezing weather conditions forced many to spend the night sleeping on terminal floors.

Heathrow, the UK's busiest airport, is closed to all inbound flights while only a handful of departures are being allowed.

On what is usually the airlines' busiest day of the festive getaway hundreds of flights across Britain and Europe have either been canceled or are subject to delays, with stranded passengers becoming increasingly angry about their situation.

 Passengers wait in Terminal 3 of Heathrow Airport

"From what I've been told it's a nightmare in there," said Sky reporter Mark Stone.

"There are several hundred people queuing in terminal 5 trying to find out what flights are taking off. There are no hotel rooms around here.

"There is a complete lack of communication. BAA is telling us the airport is shut while BA says you should turn up if you have a confirmed flight."

 A child keeps warm at Gatwick airport

There are also problems on the railways tonight.

Rail services between Kings Cross and Peterborough have been suspended because of a power failure and East Coast ticket holders are advised not to travel.

Heathrow says no flights will leave from terminals 1 or 4 today with only limited departures from terminals 3 and 5.

The airport is not accepting any new plane arrivals and passengers have been told to check with their airlines before leaving home.

Passengers have complained of airlines and airport staff not being able to provide information about flight delays, while friends and families have slammed airline websites for not providing updates.

Other disgruntled people have complained bitterly about airline enquiry numbers that are constantly engaged or not answered.

Passengers have complained of airlines and airport staff not being able to provide information about flight delays, while friends and families have slammed airline websites for not providing updates.

Other disgruntled people have complained bitterly about airline enquiry numbers that are constantly engaged or not answered.

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