Originally Posted by
Capot
NATS is a privately-owned ATM service provider. It is regulated by the CAA to ensure that it operates safely, in accordance with UK legislation etc etc.
NATS is not itself a regulator, and has no powers or indeed expertise to regulate. <snip> So who is actually preventing aircraft from flying? We know how it's being done, in controlled airspace, and that NATS are doing that. But is the decision to do it taken solely by NATS on its own authority, with or without consultation with others? If so they are on very shaky ground indeed.
NATS operate with a licence from HMG, and all other European ANSPs operate similarly with a licence from the state. NATS must operate within the terms of it's licence and all of the other rules, regulations and laws applicable to an ANSP. The 'law' governing flights in ash conditions is the ICAO document referenced in previous posts. Who exactly could be sued and for what reason? Who has done something wrong or likely to bring harm to others?
BD