The closure of airport runways because of snow has inevitably led to questions about how colder countries manage not to grind to a standstill in wintry weather. Both Manchester and Liverpool airports were forced to shut in recent days to allow snow ploughs time to clear airfields.

Flights are delayed in and out of Manchester Airport this morning - after overnight snow. Manchester Airport did shut its two runways earlier this morning. But they reopened at around 6.30am. It follows a similar closure of the runways yesterday morning due to snow.

Airports close runways leading to flight delays as snow and freezing rain hits Britain - Major health warning issued and disruption including travel chaos and power cuts likely as Met Office issues al