I remember the SAS Diversions back in the late 80's very well, as I was the duty Marshaller on that day & had to plan & park them,which included on the taxiways, it was quite challenging as Hold A was closed due to Works everything was entering at B (which was then called C) for backtrack line up prior to departure, which had to kept clear, it was without doubt one of the most satisfying 14hr shifts I have ever done although I admit a bit scary at times squeezing them in.
It was due to Shallow fog covering much of the UK, at one period that day us & Prestwick were the only UK airports open to VFR ILS Cat 1 traffic.
We eventually fogged out at around 2000 hrs visibility dropped to 50m!
We all had a bonus of £50 in our pay that Christmas for our hard work, only to loose all traffic here over that Christmas period due to Freezing fog that lasted 5 days.
Procedures for diversions have always been in place, & the possible effects of BAA disruption have already been in our minds since they announced possible strike action a couple of weeks ago.
All the best for 2008
Ranger 1
