The winter period to GVA is usually really busy for us with all the skiers etc. I've not heard of any route cancellations but if your colleague wants to get back desperately, why not do GVA-EMA. Not that far from BHX. Depends on where you live. If you live in Birmingham, you are pretty lucky. You have BRS and LTN within an hour too so try them too. Hope it's of help