on the 9th Eastern did divert to CWL. After a coach journey from BRS that took over 2 hours in the past, T3 tends to decide to opt for EXT. WW tends not to divert to BRS now forthe same reasosn.
On occasions when an airfield is closed for some reason or other, the aircraft in concern will contact the handling agent at destination. Sometimes the standard 20-30 mins out or maybe in the hold.
They will ask the handling agent to contact the airlines operations to see whether.
a) hold at airfield
b) if they can't get in, which airfield they want to divert to.
Operations will then decide what they want the aircraft to do and which airfield to divert to.
in regards to the quoted LHR diversions i believe BA is what was in mind. BA are usually proactive in these circumstances and usually end up with the stands being pre-ordered for them. Plus BA aircraft only allowed on BAMC in these circumstances.
Last winter we saw 5 777's at the same time @ Aviance and managed to deal with that without any problems.
Servisair were always as organised when BRS were out in the past. Looks like Aviance has kept the reputation going which is only a good thing.