British Airways said Monday that it has cancelled all flights at Heathrow until 1700GMT and all shorthaul flights at the airport for the rest of the day.

The airline blamed heavy snowfall, saying operations at U.K. airports are being severely disrupted.

At Heathrow Airport, there is only very limited use of one runway and thick snow on the ground is severely restricting all airlines ability to operate flights.

"We advise customers whose flights have been cancelled not to come to the airport", British Airways said in a statement.

Flights at Gatwick continue to operate but with long delays and some cancellations.

London City Airport is closed and BA CityFlyer has cancelled all flights from London City until 1800 GMT Monday.

Some flights due to arrive at Heathrow, Gatwick and London City have been diverted to alternative airports, the airline said.

It is likely that this disruption will continue for some considerable time.

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