Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has visited Luton Airport in Bedfordshire to see how it is preparing to cope with adverse winter weather.

The airport has predicted it will deal with 350,000 passengers over the Christmas period. British air travel has already suffered a setback after a software failure grounded flights across UK airspace earlier this month.

Mr McLoughlin was able to observe the machines used to keep runways clear of ice and snow in action and received a detailed explanation of the the airport’s winter preparedness strategy. He went on a tour of the main control tower and examined various ways in which the airport is trying to improve the flying experience for its passengers.

He said: “The government is ensuring all transport modes are prepared for the winter season. Airports are particularly vital during the festive period and I am impressed by Luton Airport’s plans to keep people moving regardless of the weather.”