Originally Posted by
Martin2116
I fail to understand the connection between NATS and safety, in the context of the suspended ash particles. The decision to close UK airspace should have been taken in deep consultation with other safety related bodies (CAA, BA, BAA, AAIB). Was that done?
Sigh, as expained previously in this (and other) threads, NATS is an Air Navigation Service Provider, note the words Service Provider. They don't 'own' the UK's controlled airspace they operate it in accordance with the licence and conditions imposed by HM Government PLC. Therefore the decision to stop aircraft entering UK controlled airspace was that of HM Government, NATS happen to be the mouthpiece/talking heads.
You should note that other European governments have actually banned all flying, the UK hasn't chosen to go down that route and if they did it wouldn't be NATS who would make the announcement.
BD
(A NATS employee)