Channel Islands hit by travel disruption after snowfall closes Jersey Airport

Orange warnings for snow and ice have been issued across the Channel Islands. Credit: ITV Channel

Flights to and from the Channel Islands have been disrupted due to snow, with schools also affected.

It is the most significant snowfall Jersey has seen in almost a decade, with between 2cm and 5cm blanketing the island.

The airport's runway shut for several hours on Tuesday morning (9 January) with all early morning flights affected as crews worked to clear snow and ice.

A return Blue Islands service between Jersey and Guernsey was cancelled and others left hours behind schedule.

The runway has now reopened, although Ports of Jersey says passengers should allow extra time for their journeys to the airport.

Guernsey Airport also saw delays to early services, while some Jersey schools offered early pick-ups and cancelled extracurricular clubs on Tuesday due to safety concerns.

A meeting will be held by school leaders at 5:45am on Wednesday morning to discuss the latest conditions.

A spokesperson from Jersey's education department explained: "The responsibility regarding school openings and closures sits with headteachers, and their decision will be communicated directly with families as early as possible.

"If parents or carers are not told of a school’s closure, they should assume it will be open.

"It is a priority for everyone that children are able to safely attend school and continue with their learning as much as possible through disruptions of any kind."

Jersey's Met Office has issued orange warnings for ice and snow across the Channel Islands.

Ice will be the main concern for islanders on Wednesday as further heavy snow is not forecast.

People are being urged to take extreme care when driving and walking, particularly on untreated roads and footpaths.

Islanders are also asked to check on vulnerable and elderly residents.

The latest weather forecast for the Channel Islands is available here.

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