Heavy snowfall shuts Geneva airport

GENEVA - Heavy snowfall has shut the international airport here, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded, the authorities said Wednesday.

The snow - 20 cm of which fell at Geneva airport Tuesday and another 15 cm expected Wednesday, according to forecasters - was also affecting trains and other means of public transport.

“Because of the prevailing weather conditions, Geneva International Airport is closed to air traffic,” a statement from the airport said.

The initial closure at the airfield was until at least 2 p.m. (1300 GMT) with further updates from the authorities.

Flights have been cancelled and travellers have been advised to check with their airlines before heading to the airport.

Hundreds of passengers were stranded as a result of the closure, local media reported.

The airport, one of the three international commercial flight hubs in Switzerland, was first closed Tuesday night as weather conditions worsened.