Ash clouds threaten air traffic
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,064
Likes: 8
From: Either the back of a sim, or wherever Crewing send me.
Government financial assistance
Wonder whether the airlines will be assisted by the government a la farmers when they have some act of God that causes them hardship??
I Have Control
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
From: North-West England
Over-reaction?
Are we reacting too quickly, given that the dustcloud is not yet near many of the closed airports? Obviously as the dustcloud's presence manifests itself, then no flights can take place near it. No flames please, just reasoned answers, if I am myself over-reacting!!
(I have myself diverted due to a volcanic eruption in Sicily which closed Catania while we were en-route. We spent a nice 24 hours in Palermo!)
(I have myself diverted due to a volcanic eruption in Sicily which closed Catania while we were en-route. We spent a nice 24 hours in Palermo!)
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 456
Likes: 0
From: East Ecosse
BA News minutes ago
Last updated: 08:25 15 April 2010
There was a large volcanic eruption in Iceland on Wednesday April 14.
Due to the weather conditions, a plume of volcanic ash has now spread southwards towards northern Europe and is severely affecting all airlines' flight activity in the area.
For safety reasons and on the direction from Air Traffic Control Service (Nats) a decision has been made to cancel a number of flights and close all London airports. As a result ALL airlines will be impacted and we will therefore not be able to operate services after 11.30am from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London City.
There was a large volcanic eruption in Iceland on Wednesday April 14.
Due to the weather conditions, a plume of volcanic ash has now spread southwards towards northern Europe and is severely affecting all airlines' flight activity in the area.
For safety reasons and on the direction from Air Traffic Control Service (Nats) a decision has been made to cancel a number of flights and close all London airports. As a result ALL airlines will be impacted and we will therefore not be able to operate services after 11.30am from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London City.
Last edited by mustpost; 15th April 2010 at 07:46.
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 46
Likes: 1
From: Deepest, Surrey
Gatwick
There are still movements at Gatwick but looking over the ramp I can see 19 easy tails .... easy are certainly stacking up and the remote stands are getting used. Looks like anything south and east bound is still getting away but nothing to north and west.
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 70
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From: UK
Flying MAN-CGN tonight with Germanwings, just called the call centre and they didn't know the problems! in fact she thought I was a spoof caller when I told her!! She says all is well and the flight will go... I won't hold my breath.
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 991
Likes: 128
From: big green wheely bin
Are we reacting too quickly, given that the dustcloud is not yet near many of the closed airports? Obviously as the dustcloud's presence manifests itself, then no flights can take place near it.
And also just because its not showing up on the visible radar picture does not mean its not here but in lower concentrations.
I'm supposed to be flying this afternoon and tomorrow, looks like I may have a few days spare.
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 319
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From: Wivenhoe, not too far from the Clacton VOR
Subject to coverage, Live Radar gives an idea of where aircraft are not. Still seem to be some flights out of Oslo.
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 163
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From: Torquay UK
haze in southern UK already
Torquay Southern UK 0700,Z
Without having heard the news today I looked out of the window for a weather check , and remarked upon an unusual thick band of crappy haze.
Whats all that stuff? I thought, no flying for me today?
Actually its improved a lot now
Without having heard the news today I looked out of the window for a weather check , and remarked upon an unusual thick band of crappy haze.
Whats all that stuff? I thought, no flying for me today?
Actually its improved a lot now
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: UK on a crosswind
Just in case anyone thinks that this is too much being careful - I was on the BA flight that lost all four engines simultaneously in '82 due to volcanic dust ingestion. Trust me - you can't necessarily see the dust - but it's lethal ....... 350 people furiously learning to pray - in a very quiet aeroplane - with NO land visible - just sea.
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 170
From: uk
Presumably the rest of western europe is shutting down as well or is this purely a UK problem ? If the issue is ony affecting higher altitudes - how long before operators try and leave UK at lower levels before climbing outside the affected area ? Damn, missed Uncle Eric ! Never mind, could be a nice sunset............
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,266
Likes: 1
From: Berkshire, UK
Royalistflyer...... At least you have reason to appreciate Eric! I flew with him once; he was a real character. Had a great time. ..... especially when I said: "I understand you know something about volcanoes".