Chaos around London tonight

[WindSheer]

There are many go arounds and diverts in the London area tonight. LHR,LGW and LTN affected.
Before the 'non-news' brigade turn on this post, this will prove a logistical nightmare at this time of night, especially with some diverts going up to BHX and MAN. I hope pax get somewhere close to their destinations...!

Come on mother nature, help us out here :ooh:

[Donkey497]

Looks like a few heading for Newcastle and even Dublin. Going to be a lot of disappointed travellers tonight. One can only hope that they remember we travel in hope and that a safe arrival at a divert is better than not arriving in one piece.

[Self Loading Freight]

My other half was coming back from Dublin to LHR, but ended up as one of a lot of Dublin->London flights that came, held, tried a landing, and went back home again. I guess that if you miss your slot, you go back home - sounded like diverting to another London airport wasn't an option. Xwind gusts of up to 60kts, I heard. A lot of very sporty flying going on tonight... (and the BA from Oslo is still up there - think that's the last one).

[wiggy]

sounded like diverting to another London airport wasn't an option

Sounds like the usual problem with (very) strong southerly's - if LHR is out then LGW and LTN, with similar runway orientations, are going to have the same issues. STN might be a better option being more into wind but may not be an option for other reasons (already full or fully committed).

I guess that if you miss your slot, you go back home

Not the worse option in the world if fuel allows - gets the aircraft into a BA supported base and also at least some of the passengers will get to sleep in their own beds.

Now of course if LHR had a runway running NE/SW, i.e. more into wind..:E

[WindSheer]

You coul see from FR at about 2230 the differing situation for different flights. Some didnt have time to mess about, and diverted after the hold before attempting an approach. Others holding more fuel were trying everything to get in, particularly to LHR.
Expect some delays today due to out of sync a/c and crew....:(

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

<<I guess that if you miss your slot, you go back home >>

No slots are issued for landings as they are for departures and in the event of a go-around aircraft can have another go if desired. There is no limit although multiple go-arounds can mess up the EATs for other traffic.

I was watching the "radar" yesterday and the Heathrow Final Directors had their work cut out to achieve the required spacing. On base leg, traffic from from the south were around 100kts faster than from the north. It would have been the same at Gatwick too. Great work guys and you have my admiration but glad I'm retired!

[flying phil 2007]

In the old days... LHR used to have runway 23L. would have been useful on Friday.. I did hear a PAN PAN.. plus a few Min Fuel calls..