"We could have simply proposed to close the childcare businesses but we are mindful that this would cause a huge amount of disruption and distress for parents, carers, children and staff, " she said.

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Announcing its "winter resilience programme", the airports operator said it has introduced a new "reservist" role whereby up to 950 staff will be deployed to the terminals to help passengers during disruption.

BBC: Heathrow airport triples snow clearance fleet

"We have a woman governor -- who is giving birth -- no different than women executives and women all over the world who give birth and have some disruption to the daily routine, " said Peter Forman, Swift's chief of staff.

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