THE colossal job of clearing snow from Manchester Airport has been captured in dramatic pictures.

Both runways were forced to close on Thursday morning after heavy snowfall.

Knutsford Guardian: Manchester Airport said passengers' health and safety 'will always be our top priority'Manchester Airport said passengers' health and safety 'will always be our top priority' (Image: PA)

The airport decided to ground flights saying ‘health and safety will always be our top priority’.

A fleet of specialist vehicles were drafted in to clear snow from the runways and de-ice planes.

Knutsford Guardian: Specialist equipment was used to de-ice planesSpecialist equipment was used to de-ice planes (Image: PA)

These pictures show just how much snow had to be removed before the all-clear was given.

The runways closed at 6.20am and reopened at 8.43am.

Knutsford Guardian: Snowploughs worked relentlessly Snowploughs worked relentlessly (Image: PA)

It was a mammoth task as temperatures plunged below minus 10C on what has been hailed as ‘the coldest night of the year’.

Knutsford Guardian: Pasengers are still advised to check with their airlines for the latest informationPasengers are still advised to check with their airlines for the latest information (Image: PA)

Flights have now been resumed but passengers are still advised to check with their airlines for the latest information.

Knutsford Guardian: It has been hailed as 'the coldest day of the year' as temperatures below 10C in parts of the UKIt has been hailed as 'the coldest day of the year' as temperatures below 10C in parts of the UK (Image: PA)

In a statement released on social media, the airport said: “Following the temporary closure of our runways due to snow, we are pleased to report that operations have resumed.

Knutsford Guardian: It was a mammoth taskIt was a mammoth task (Image: PA)

“We thank passengers for their patience.

“Passengers should continue to contact their airline for the most up-to-date flight information.”