Travellers due to fly on British Airways flights to Bermuda in the next few days have been offered the chance to change their schedule as snow hits the UK.

They were told that departures could be moved for free to dates next week.

The UK’s Met Office said a number of weather warnings for snow or ice were in place across the country.

A BA spokeswoman said: “Like all airlines operating to or from London, our schedule has been affected by adverse winter weather conditions.

“We've apologised to our customers and are doing everything we can to ensure as many are able to travel as possible.

“We're refunding or rebooking anyone whose flight has been cancelled and providing refreshment vouchers and hotel accommodation where needed.”

She did not confirm if any travel to Bermuda from London was expected to be cancelled.

The Heathrow website said today’s BA flight to Bermuda took off just before 5pm, instead of the scheduled 2.30pm departure.

Freezing fog and snow across London resulted in air traffic control restrictions on the number of aircraft that can land and take off every hour.

A reduction in flights was mandated by Heathrow Airport.

BA used larger aircraft where it could to try to make sure as many people as possible could still get their flights.

An e-mail to the airline’s customers said: “Due to continuing adverse winter weather conditions being experienced across the United Kingdom and Europe, we’re offering increased flexibility to help our customers with their travel plans.

“As you are due to depart on a flight from London Heathrow between Wednesday, December 14 and Monday, December 19, we’re now offering the option to change your outbound date of travel free of charge.”

It added that flights could be moved to dates between Tuesday, December 20 and Sunday, December 26.

The e-mail added: “This flexibility is available for departures from London Heathrow.

“Any changes to your return journey will be subject to normal fare conditions.

“As a result of the winter weather conditions, we ask that you check the status of your flight before departing for the airport and leave plenty of time for your journey.”

The Met Office said wintry conditions in Britain would continue until the weekend “before milder and wetter weather sweeps in to create a temporary reprieve”.

Its website added: “The UK will remain cold through this week with the risk of sleet and snow at times continuing across northern and eastern locations, by the end of the week northwestern regions are also likely to see snow. ”