The first leased aircraft had been due to depart for Copenhagen at 10pm on Tuesday night (20 December). Icelandair said that while the outlook for travel on Wednesday (21 December) was good, further disruption was anticipated.

"Our team are working extremely hard to rebook all customers who have been affected by the disruptions," said the carrier. "Please bear with us as we anticipate it may still take some time to accommodate everyone.

"In the morning [Wednesday], we expect it will be clear what options are available to us in terms of setting up extra flights, in addition to those which will already be provided by the temporarily leased aircraft joining our fleet."

Passengers have been advised their contact details are correct and up-to-date on their bookings to ensure they receive flight updates via email or text message.

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice to reflect the situation. "There is a severe weather warning across the whole of Iceland and many roads are closed," said the FCDO.

"High winds and dangerous icy road conditions are causing major flight disruption and affecting movement to/from Keflavik international airport due to road closures. Conditions are not expected to improve until tomorrow (21 December)."