Christmas commuters were facing further chaos today after Britain was battered by fresh blasts of heavy snow that show little sign of easing.

There was fresh snowfall over much of Shropshire and Mid Wales overnight creating problems for people trying to get away on what is traditionally the busiest weekend for travellers and retailers before Christmas.

All British Airways flights departing from London Heathrow airport were cancelled between 10am and 5pm today.

A spokesman said: “Severe disruption is expected today at all London airports. As a result all flights departing from London Heathrow will be cancelled between 10am and 5pm UK time. Please do not travel to the airport if you are due to depart between these times.”

Passengers were advised not to go to the airport unless they had a confirmed booking on a new flight.

easyJet cancelled all flights from Gatwick Airport between 6am and 10am, while officials advised all passengers to check their flight status before travelling to the airport.

Belfast City Airport was closed last night while all flights were suspended at Belfast International Airport.

The severe weather has also hit postal services. Royal Mail chiefs said delivery hours will be extended in a bid to clear the shelves of undelivered mail.

And the return of Arctic weather conditions has led to an “extreme” rise in calls to fuel suppliers with people looking to order in heating oil before Christmas.

A shortage of oil across Shropshire has left fuel suppliers working through a backlog of orders after being inundated with calls from residents and businesses.

Richard Bates, managing director at Oakley’s Fuel Oils, which has a base in Telford, said the level of demand was unprecedented.

Various events have been called off including the Zoot Money gig at Worthen Village Hall which was set to take place tonight.

AFC Telford United bosses said they were confident today’s game against Eastwood would be on barring any more major snowfall. Shrewsbury’s game at Oxford was called off.

By Emma Kasprzak