Updated: Wed Dec. 22 2010 17:51:55

ctvedmonton.ca

The first Edmonton bound flight from London since a winter storm shut down the Heathrow Airport landed Wednesday afternoon. Another set of travellers who have been patiently waiting to catch a flight out of London arrived in Edmonton Tuesday night through a connecting Calgary flight.

Close to 600 Air Canada passengers hadn't been able to get out of Edmonton since last weekend because of the weather-related chaos in Europe.

It's been quite an exhausting journey for those who were supposed to arrive here in Sunday and Monday.

"I was stuck at Heathrow Airport from the 20th and then I had to take a four-hour train back to where I was and then I finally got out today...it's horrible there, don't go there," said Rupaly Toor.

One woman is thankful she was able to catch a flight so she could be here in time for the holidays.

"We did see quite a few people just sleeping anywhere in the airport with blankets and pillows, it looked stressful and there were massive lineups everywhere," said Ashley Samuelson.

Some Londoners say the winter storm hit the city hard, and they weren't prepared.

"They're not equipped, I mean they aren't used to this much snow," said Niru Desai.

The Edmonton International Airport estimates about 800 of its passengers were impacted by the delay.

"I think we are all breathing a big sigh of relief right now," said spokesperson Sarah Meffen.

Now that Air Canada is resuming regular service to and from London's airport, the holidays are getting back on schedule for travellers.

The family of Edmonton Oiler Magnus Paajarvi arrived Wednesday from Sweden via a connecting flight from London.

"Now we are here to watch some games," said Paajarvi's mother Maria.

Air Canada passengers who are still waiting to get to and from London are now being rescheduled on other flights. One flight just took off from Edmonton late Wednesday afternoon and another flight is scheduled to arrive here on Friday.

With files from Sonia Sunger