Airports Across UK To Close?

[Ryan N]

Just heard a "breaking news" on Channel 7 saying all airports in the UK will close in 2 hours. Can anyone confirm this?

[Ryan N]

I think I've just answered my own question.

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news...-1225854233663

[Geoff W]

I have only seen this at this point.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/bre...-1225854233663

What a mess?

Kind regards,

Geoff

[Matt D]

An extract from British Airways notification received today 0845UTC :

There was a large volcanic eruption in Iceland on Wednesday April 14.

Due to the weather conditions, a plume of volcanic ash has now spread southwards towards northern Europe and is severely affecting all airlines' flight activity in the area.

For safety reasons and on the direction from Air Traffic Control Service (NATS) a decision has been made to cancel a number of flights and close all London airports.

As a result ALL airlines will be impacted and we will therefore not be able to operate services after 11.30am from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London City. Additionally, all British Airways domestic services have been cancelled on Thursday 15 April.

You are advised to check the status of your flight before leaving for the airport.

[Geoff W]

From the BBC

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8621407.stm

Kind regards,

Geoff

[Michael Cleary]

And from NATS http://www.nats.co.uk/:

Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Thurs April 15, 09:30
From midday today until at least 6pm, there will be no flights permitted in UK controlled airspace other than emergency situations. This has been applied in accordance with international civil aviation policy. We continue to monitor the situation with the Met Office and work closely with airline customers and adjoining countries.

The Ash is apparently up to 55,000 feet.

[Stuart Trevena]

Hi All,

What impact will this have on QF Flights into / Out of LHR?

Will they divert to / operate out of Frankfurt?

Stuart

[Peter Agatsiotis]

I am just looking at PlanePlotter over southern UK (12pm local) and there is only one a/c circling near London. Never seen this before.
From the PP forum looks like the ash system is moving south so flights in Northern UK and other parts of Europe have resumed or will be resuming shortly.

Flights that normally fly 'over' the UK will obviously be directed around the system. Will re-check the PP forum for the latest.

[Robert S]

Latest is now no flights in UK airspace until at least 0700 BST on Friday.

At 2000 BST Thursday they will make a further announcement regarding arrangements through to 1300 BST Friday.