Heathrow - a world class airport?

[Pondlife]

There was no snow dumped on Heathrow yesterday and today apparently, yet most flights still get canned.

Of course it's all LHRs fault, afterall the aircraft just teleport back from their destination.

[SueEllen]

I would imagine most airports would be closed after that dump of snow in that short a period.

People like a good moan in this country and the press is always there to wind up the public.

The issue isn't the runways - it's the taxi ways that are covered in ice, ice where the planes are parked and the fact that planes need their wings de-iced.


Edited to say: It's interesting to watch a plane having it's wings de-iced.

[Pondlife]

The issue isn't the runways - it's the taxi ways that are covered in ice, ice where the planes are parked and the fact that planes need their wings de-iced.


Edited to say: It's interesting to watch a plane having it's wings de-iced.

My flight from AMS had to be de-iced twice on Thurs. Once on stand and then again because of a heavy snowfall whilst taxiing.

[SueEllen]

My flight from AMS had to be de-iced twice on Thurs. Once on stand and then again because of a heavy snowfall whilst taxiing.

[VectraMan]

The issue isn't the runways - it's the taxi ways that are covered in ice, ice where the planes are parked

This is what they said on the news. But given that jet engines don't need to have traction, I don't quite understand what the problem is (and yes a plane can take off on a conveyer belt ).

[minestrone]

There was no snow dumped on Heathrow yesterday and today apparently, yet most flights still get canned.

South England is not a place that gets snow on a regular, year by year basis. For the airport to be closed for 2 days is a terrible inconvenience to the passengers but it is hardly a sign the country is falling apart.

Last time I was in Da Nang Airport I had to chase a rat trying to get into my bag. I have never had to do that in England. Heathrow may be a bit of a dump but it is next century compared to the many Soviet style Communist airports I have had the displeasure of travelling through.

[AtW]

The issue isn't the runways - it's the taxi ways that are covered in ice

There are machines for that - my provincial airport in Siberia had a few of those, surely such an airport like Heathrow should be able to afford them also?

[SupremeSpod]

This is what they said on the news. But given that jet engines don't need to have traction, I don't quite understand what the problem is (and yes a plane can take off on a conveyer belt ).

An aircraft needs to reach a certain speed before it's flight surfaces will maintain its directional stability.

At lower speeds it would slide all over the icy taxi ways.

[doodab]

BBC News - How are airports kept open in cold weather?

Interesting article about airports.

[SueEllen]

There are machines for that - my provincial airport in Siberia had a few of those, surely such an airport like Heathrow should be able to afford them also?

Yeah but this is the UK.

Do you expect a private company to spend money on things like that here?