Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 01:22 PM

100

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 01:21 PM

So I guess it's all old news now?

Maybe it is. RAF halts training flights though, after ash was found in the engine of Typhoon jet. No commercial pressure there, so they can go for the safe option?

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: GUEST,black walnut - P.S.
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 12:39 PM

P.S. Interesting about the Lincolnshire trainers, Smiler.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: GUEST,black walnut
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 12:36 PM

You're abolutely correct about the order of passengers. I only had to wait one overnight for my flight. But our plane was only half full. I think that many thought that it wouldn't fly despite what it was saying at the Air Transat website. Or they were too scared. I think they would have filled the plane if there had been people waiting to get on at Pearson, but I didn't see anyone camping out.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: open mike
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 12:31 PM

i heard that passengers with tickets were let to fly first, and ones who had been waiting for days had to continue waiting...shouldn't it be first come first serve??

take a bus, indeed!
or train!
or boat!

hard to imaging how many thousands (millions?) of people were stranded

some volcanos erupt for years...

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: GUEST,The Smiler
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 11:29 AM

This is new
RAF Typhoon training halted as ash found in engine

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: GUEST,black walnut
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 09:16 AM

So I guess it's all old news now? Most things are flying again? That's good, although I do love the awesome power of Mother Nature.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 05:16 PM

When our plane landed last night in Newcastle, everybody applauded. I guess we were just glad to get down to solid ground, no matter where we were. When you're flying across the Atlantic, and they tell you that the airports are closed (duh) in England, first you wonder why you're on the plane, then you wonder if you'll hit dry land. Just handy that it was England and not some other island. :-)

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: GUEST,The smiler
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 03:53 PM

Newcastle Airport. I thought my life was coming to an end on that runway many years ago.
I was flying British Caledonia from Edinburgh to Amsterdam.
The route was Edinburgh, Newcastle, Amsterdam.
There was a gail on and we had to land with the wind across the runway.
The plane was floating left to right and the nearer we got to landing the worse it got. I said my "Mother" as I closed my eyes and counted to 10. What a brilliant pilot. Somehow he managed it and I think there were a few people with brown trousers (well it smelt like it).

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: Bainbo
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 03:33 PM

Only if there was a toilet on the coach. Otherwise a long coach journey after two or three bottles ...

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: MikeL2
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 02:22 PM

hi bw

I don't suppose you have time to try the local ale??
Newcastle Brown is famed through-out the UK as a good strong beer.
Two or three bottles of that and your coach journey would have been more enjoyable.

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: black walnut
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 12:34 PM

How awesome is that? We were the first guinea pigs! And you saw us land! Let me tell you, it's not that much fun being a guinea pig. The bus ride to London from Newcastle was longer than the flight across from Toronto to Newcastle, and they didn't serve a hot meal. LOL! But landing at Newcastle was better than the pilot's Plan B, which was going to be landing in Ireland. I'm not sure how I would have gotten to London from Ireland!

Time for another nap now....zzzzzzzz

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: MikeL2
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 12:03 PM

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: GUEST,black walnut - PM
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 07:46 AM

Hi

I think I have just seen your plane landing. It was on the news as the first passengers to land in England since the " Ash Ban".

Couldn't see you waving.....lol

Well done.....you now deserve a rest.

regards

MikeL2

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: GUEST,black walnut
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 07:46 AM

I flew from Toronto yesterday early (I had to get up at 3:30 AM for it), then my flight was diverted from Gatwick to NEWCASTLE. Were we on the news? Was I on the news? That was me waving to the cameras with a big smile as I ran for the bus that drove us right away to Gatwick. Another 7 hours into London. I wasn't smiling then. No, I was laughing hysterically with tears rolling down my face...very tired and very giddy and I was sitting beside someone on the bus who was very very funny!

So Toronto to London was a 26 hour trip. I'm trying to sleep now but there is construction in the flat right above me. Louder than a dentist's drill. But it's time for a cuppa peppermint tea (rather than my usual morning blast of coffee) and then back to bed, and hopefully to sleep. I need sleep so bad.

Ohhhhh...now there's poppy rock music along with the drilling. Niiiiice.

~black walnut

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 03:26 AM

Planes are flying - some people are getting back home.
NATS- who do the air traffic control promise a new update at 9.00 BST (about 40 minutes from this posting).
http://www.nats.co.uk/
Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: Suffet
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 05:08 PM

This is from the Heathrow Airport website:

Airspace restrictions update
Last updated: 20:50 BST, Tuesday 20 April 20:10
The Civil Aviation Authority has approved the opening of UK airspace from 22:00 today.
We are ready to open, but until further notice passengers must contact their airlines before travelling to the airport.
Not all flights will operate during the early period of opening, and we will be doing everything we can to support airlines and get people moving.

Let's hope so!

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 03:45 PM

The rest of mainland Europe is ok. They can get about by train, car, bus etc. Here in the UK, in my island nation, I'm starting to feel isolated.

No need. There's a Channel Tunnel, after all. And plenty of boats.

All this is excellenet preparation for the future we're going to face a few years down the line when the oil runs out.

I heard that at the school my son used to go to there are at least nine teachers unable to get back from abroad after the school holidays. I rather suspect they won't be broken-hearted...

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: GUEST,Guest The smiler
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 02:31 PM

What is annoying is that you are told to ring the airlines.

You do and you are paying high rates and then you are told that there is nobody to deal with your problem.

How TF are you supposed to get in touch with them.

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 08:34 AM

At the end of the day, I think I'm correct in saying the buck stops with the pilot (& the pilots' unions). If they aren't happy with a situation, we aint going nowhere buddies!

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: mandotim
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 08:20 AM

Airlines have an excellent safety record generally; but I have a relative who is a high-end consultant engineer. He used to do a lot of work with airlines on planned maintenance strategies. He doesn't now, on the grounds that he doesn't want to prejudice his professional reputation. He lives and works in the States, and travels about 150,000 miles a year on business in the USA; all by road. He used to fly, but since the cash squeeze hit the airlines, he doesn't. Draw your own conclusions.

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 07:26 AM

I have a bad feeling about it too, I think we were very lucky to fly home last Wednesday evening. However, the media only reports half the story, and framed in a way to sell newspapers and get TV viewers. There is more to this than meets the eye.

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: mandotim
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 06:45 AM

In answer to Mr Happy; Jet planes and turboprops are affected more severely than prop driven aircraft. The reason is that the rock and silica particles melt at jet engine temperatures, then solidify on the turbine blades in the engine. This can cause imbalance, vibration, seizing and engine shutdown. In a piston engined plane, the air filter takes care of most of this, and if that is changed regularly there shouldn't be a problem.
On a wider point; there is still no solid research evidence one way or the other about whether it is safe to fly at the moment, just predictions from Met Office models and inconclusive findings from a couple of publicity stunt flights by the airlines. This is counterbalanced by reports of military aircraft having problems. The decision to reopen air travel seems to have been taken on the grounds that the shutdown is costing the airlines a great deal of money (they have lobbied very hard indeed), and the travelling public are being greatly inconvenienced. History suggests that when we let profit-motivated business organisations take the prime role in what are essentially moral decisions, people suffer and occasionally die. I have a bad feeling about this one.
Tim

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 06:44 AM

Over one quarter of those flights are easyjet would you believe!

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 05:43 AM

Oh.

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 04:41 AM

Today at London Gatwick!

08:45 DY3511 COPENHAGEN CANCELLED South Terminal
08:45 EI233 DUBLIN CANCELLED South Terminal
08:50 EZY5263 VENICE CANCELLED South Terminal
09:00 AM5699 ATLANTA CANCELLED North Terminal
09:00 DL11 ATLANTA CANCELLED North Terminal
09:00 KL9090 ATLANTA CANCELLED North Terminal
09:00 MON6478 BANJUL CANCELLED South Terminal
09:00 MON6842 AQABA CANCELLED South Terminal
09:00 TCX214K DALAMAN CANCELLED South Terminal
09:05 SZ103 PLYMOUTH AND NEWQUAY CANCELLED North Terminal
09:10 DY1303 OSLO CANCELLED South Terminal
09:10 EZY5085 ATHENS CANCELLED South Terminal
09:15 TOM074 CANCUN CANCELLED North Terminal
09:20 TOM4224 TENERIFE CANCELLED North Terminal
09:20 TOM726 SHARM EL SHEIKH CANCELLED North Terminal
09:20 VS031 ST LUCIA CANCELLED South Terminal
09:25 BA4451 BUDAPEST CANCELLED North Terminal
09:25 MA613 BUDAPEST CANCELLED North Terminal
09:30 MON4206 SHARM EL SHEIKH CANCELLED South Terminal
09:30 TCX549K SHARM EL SHEIKH CANCELLED South Terminal
09:30 TOM4246 TENERIFE CANCELLED North Terminal
09:35 EZY5477 MADRID CANCELLED South Terminal
09:40 TCX414K HURGHADA CANCELLED South Terminal
09:40 US733 CHARLOTTE CANCELLED South Terminal
09:45 IG3536 FLORENCE CANCELLED South Terminal
09:45 TCX018K TENERIFE CANCELLED South Terminal
09:45 TOM502 TABA CANCELLED North Terminal
10:00 EK012 DUBAI CANCELLED North Terminal
10:00 EZY8903 GIBRALTAR CANCELLED North Terminal
10:00 FR113 DUBLIN CANCELLED South Terminal
10:00 TOM030 MONTEGO BAY CANCELLED North Terminal
10:00 VIK121 SHARM EL SHEIKH CANCELLED South Terminal
10:10 AEA1014 MADRID CANCELLED South Terminal
10:10 FR5563 ALICANTE CANCELLED South Terminal
10:15 QR076 DOHA CANCELLED North Terminal
10:15 US4970 DOHA CANCELLED North Terminal
10:20 EZY5241 PALERMO CANCELLED South Terminal
10:25 MON1472 CHANIA CANCELLED South Terminal
10:40 EI235 DUBLIN CANCELLED South Terminal
10:40 TCX091K HOLGUIN CANCELLED South Terminal
10:40 TS889 HOLGUIN CANCELLED South Terminal
10:50 TOM4208 ARRECIFE CANCELLED North Terminal
10:55 EZY5233 PISA CANCELLED South Terminal
11:00 EI904 MALAGA CANCELLED South Terminal
11:15 CO9707 ORLANDO CANCELLED South Terminal
11:15 EZY5133 BARCELONA CANCELLED South Terminal
11:15 EZY5443 BUDAPEST CANCELLED South Terminal
11:15 VS027 ORLANDO CANCELLED South Terminal
11:20 EZY8853 SHARM EL SHEIKH CANCELLED North Terminal
11:25 VS043 LAS VEGAS CANCELLED South Terminal
11:30 AEU502 REYKJAVIK CANCELLED South Terminal
11:30 EZY5325 MARSEILLE CANCELLED South Terminal
11:30 EZY761 INVERNESS CANCELLED South Terminal
12:00 EZY8663 ALICANTE CANCELLED North Terminal
12:05 EZY5255 ROME CANCELLED South Terminal
12:05 EZY5311 PORTO CANCELLED South Terminal
12:10 AT7229 CASABLANCA CANCELLED North Terminal
12:10 FR1183 SHANNON CANCELLED South Terminal
12:20 EZS8572 GENEVA CANCELLED North Terminal
12:20 EZY8607 MALAGA CANCELLED North Terminal
12:25 DY1341 TRONDHEIM CANCELLED South Terminal
12:30 8U913 TRIPOLI CANCELLED South Terminal
12:30 TCX128K CAYO COCO CANCELLED South Terminal
12:35 EZY5055 MONTPELLIER CANCELLED South Terminal
12:40 EZY5087 ATHENS CANCELLED South Terminal
12:40 EZY5197 MURCIA CANCELLED South Terminal
12:40 EZY8627 PALMA MALLORCA CANCELLED North Terminal
12:45 EZY8919 FARO CANCELLED North Terminal
12:45 SZ105 PLYMOUTH AND NEWQUAY CANCELLED North Terminal
12:45 VS065 MONTEGO BAY CANCELLED South Terminal
13:00 AT803 CASABLANCA CANCELLED North Terminal
13:00 EI916 IRL WEST KNOCK CANCELLED South Terminal
13:05 EZY5293 MILAN-MALPENSA CANCELLED South Terminal
13:10 BT652 RIGA CANCELLED South Terminal
13:15 EZY5267 VENICE CANCELLED South Terminal
13:15 FR115 DUBLIN CANCELLED South Terminal
13:15 TOM588 MERSA MATRUH CANCELLED North Terminal
13:20 EZY5285 MILAN-LINATE CANCELLED South Terminal
13:55 TOM4244 MALTA CANCELLED North Terminal
14:00 BE1005 DUSSELDORF CANCELLED South Terminal
14:00 EZY5383 MUNICH CANCELLED South Terminal
14:05 EZY705 EDINBURGH CANCELLED South Terminal
14:10 EZY5337 TOULOUSE CANCELLED South Terminal
14:10 EZY8815 LARNACA CANCELLED North Terminal
14:15 DY1305 OSLO CANCELLED South Terminal
14:15 EZY5069 NICE CANCELLED South Terminal
14:15 ZB252 ALICANTE CANCELLED South Terminal
14:25 EZY8597 DUSSELDORF CANCELLED North Terminal
14:25 EZY8875 AMSTERDAM CANCELLED North Terminal
14:30 BE911 GUERNSEY CANCELLED South Terminal
14:30 FR9853 CORK CANCELLED South Terminal
14:35 BA6165 INVERNESS CANCELLED South Terminal
14:35 BE7325 INVERNESS CANCELLED South Terminal
14:40 EI243 DUBLIN CANCELLED South Terminal
14:40 EZY787 GLASGOW CANCELLED South Terminal
14:50 BA6157 ABERDEEN CANCELLED South Terminal
14:50 BE7294 ABERDEEN CANCELLED South Terminal
15:00 EZY8845 DALAMAN CANCELLED North Terminal
15:10 EZY8807 PAPHOS CANCELLED North Terminal
15:10 FR9229 GERONA CANCELLED South Terminal
15:25 EK3016 DUBAI CANCELLED North Terminal
15:35 BE276 ISLE OF MAN CANCELLED South Terminal
15:45 EZY5135 BARCELONA CANCELLED South Terminal
15:55 EZY5377 COLOGNE CANCELLED South Terminal
15:55 TOM346 ANTALYA CANCELLED North Terminal
16:10 EZY8825 MALTA CANCELLED North Terminal
16:15 BE947 JERSEY CANCELLED South Terminal
16:20 BE353 LEEDS/BRADFORD CANCELLED South Terminal
16:20 BE466 NEWCASTLE CANCELLED South Terminal
16:20 TP333 PORTO SCHEDULED South Terminal
16:25 BE970 BELFAST CITY CANCELLED South Terminal
16:25 SZ110 PLYMOUTH AND NEWQUAY CANCELLED North Terminal
16:25 ZB742 MALAGA CANCELLED South Terminal
16:30 BE913 GUERNSEY CANCELLED South Terminal
16:35 BE804 NEWQUAY CANCELLED South Terminal
16:40 EZY8877 AMSTERDAM CANCELLED North Terminal
16:45 EZY5455 LISBON CANCELLED South Terminal
16:50 EZY5479 MADRID CANCELLED South Terminal
16:55 EZY8611 MALAGA CANCELLED North Terminal
17:05 EZS8574 GENEVA CANCELLED North Terminal
17:10 EZY5257 ROME CANCELLED South Terminal
17:15 AEA1016 MADRID CANCELLED South Terminal
17:20 EI906 MALAGA CANCELLED South Terminal
17:20 VIK478 GLASGOW CANCELLED South Terminal
17:25 EZY5369 COPENHAGEN CANCELLED South Terminal
17:30 EZY737 BELFAST CANCELLED South Terminal
17:30 FR117 DUBLIN CANCELLED South Terminal
17:40 EZY8645 VALENCIA CANCELLED North Terminal
17:50 EZY5415 BERLIN CANCELLED South Terminal
17:50 EZY8879 AMSTERDAM CANCELLED North Terminal
17:55 EZY5297 MILAN-MALPENSA CANCELLED South Terminal
17:55 EZY711 EDINBURGH CANCELLED South Terminal
17:55 ZB284 TENERIFE CANCELLED South Terminal
18:05 BE949 JERSEY AND GUERNSEY CANCELLED South Terminal
18:05 EZY8535 BASEL SCHEDULED North Terminal
18:10 BE1007 DUSSELDORF CANCELLED South Terminal
18:10 EZY5015 BORDEAUX CANCELLED South Terminal
18:10 EZY8631 PALMA MALLORCA CANCELLED North Terminal
18:10 EZY8929 FARO CANCELLED North Terminal
18:15 EZY5071 NICE SCHEDULED South Terminal
18:15 EZY5345 HAMBURG CANCELLED South Terminal
18:25 EZY8576 GENEVA SCHEDULED North Terminal
18:30 EZY5497 PRAGUE SCHEDULED South Terminal
18:35 EZY5007 LYON SCHEDULED South Terminal
18:35 EZY5385 MUNICH CANCELLED South Terminal
18:40 EI245 DUBLIN SCHEDULED South Terminal
18:45 BJ8321 MONASTIR SCHEDULED South Terminal
18:45 EZY5339 TOULOUSE SCHEDULED South Terminal
18:55 BA4453 BUDAPEST CANCELLED North Terminal
18:55 MA615 BUDAPEST CANCELLED North Terminal
18:55 TCX054K TORONTO SCHEDULED South Terminal
18:55 TCX819K ANTALYA CANCELLED South Terminal
19:00 EZY8881 AMSTERDAM SCHEDULED North Terminal
19:05 CO9695 ORLANDO SCHEDULED South Terminal
19:05 EZY5139 BARCELONA SCHEDULED South Terminal
19:05 VS015 ORLANDO SCHEDULED South Terminal
19:10 BA2043 MALE SCHEDULED North Terminal
19:10 BA2602 PISA CANCELLED North Terminal
19:10 VIK115 SHARM EL SHEIKH SCHEDULED South Terminal
19:10 VIK115P SHARM EL SHEIKH CANCELLED South Terminal
19:15 BA6159 ABERDEEN CANCELLED South Terminal
19:15 BE7296 ABERDEEN CANCELLED South Terminal
19:15 EZY5481 MADRID SCHEDULED South Terminal
19:20 BA6167 INVERNESS CANCELLED South Terminal
19:20 BE7327 INVERNESS CANCELLED South Terminal
19:25 EI817 CORK SCHEDULED South Terminal
19:25 GR611 GUERNSEY CANCELLED South Terminal
19:30 EZY713 EDINBURGH SCHEDULED South Terminal
19:30 VS029 BRIDGETOWN CANCELLED South Terminal
19:35 BE278 ISLE OF MAN CANCELLED South Terminal
19:35 BE953 JERSEY CANCELLED South Terminal
19:40 BE974 BELFAST CITY CANCELLED South Terminal
19:50 BA8049 JERSEY CANCELLED North Terminal
19:50 BE919 GUERNSEY CANCELLED South Terminal
19:50 EZY739 BELFAST SCHEDULED South Terminal
19:55 BE806 NEWQUAY CANCELLED South Terminal
19:55 DY3515 COPENHAGEN CANCELLED South Terminal
19:55 EZY5417 BERLIN CANCELLED South Terminal
19:55 IG3534 FLORENCE SCHEDULED South Terminal
19:55 SZ111 NEWQUAY AND PLYMOUTH CANCELLED North Terminal
20:00 BE357 LEEDS/BRADFORD CANCELLED South Terminal
20:00 DY1307 OSLO CANCELLED South Terminal
20:05 EZY5299 MILAN-MALPENSA CANCELLED South Terminal
20:10 BA2564 BOLOGNA CANCELLED North Terminal
20:10 BE468 NEWCASTLE CANCELLED South Terminal
20:10 DY1319 BERGEN CANCELLED South Terminal
20:10 EZS8578 GENEVA SCHEDULED North Terminal
20:10 GR613 GUERNSEY SCHEDULED South Terminal
20:10 PS502N KIEV SCHEDULED South Terminal
20:15 DY1321 TROMSO CANCELLED South Terminal
20:25 ZB9186 TENERIFE SCHEDULED South Terminal
20:25 ZB9214 ALICANTE SCHEDULED South Terminal
20:25 ZB9742 MALAGA SCHEDULED South Terminal
20:25 ZB9748 MALAGA SCHEDULED South Terminal
20:25 ZB9786 TENERIFE CANCELLED South Terminal
20:30 AEU504 REYKJAVIK SCHEDULED South Terminal
20:30 DY3522 AALBORG CANCELLED South Terminal
20:35 FR7729 STOCKHOLM SCHEDULED South Terminal
20:45 FR5569 ALICANTE SCHEDULED South Terminal
20:45 JP451 MARIBOR AND LJUBLJANA SCHEDULED North Terminal
20:50 HV5198 ROTTERDAM CANCELLED South Terminal
20:55 DY1337 STAVANGER CANCELLED South Terminal
20:55 EZY793 GLASGOW SCHEDULED South Terminal
21:00 BA2914 MANCHESTER CANCELLED North Terminal
21:00 BA2968 GLASGOW CANCELLED North Terminal
21:00 FR119 DUBLIN SCHEDULED South Terminal
21:00 MA4914 MANCHESTER CANCELLED North Terminal
21:05 BA2946 EDINBURGH CANCELLED North Terminal
21:05 FR5372 MADRID SCHEDULED South Terminal
21:10 EZY741 BELFAST SCHEDULED South Terminal
21:10 MON4372 GOA SCHEDULED South Terminal
21:10 PS502 KIEV SCHEDULED South Terminal
21:10 QI4666 BILLUND SCHEDULED South Terminal
21:10 SGX734 DALAMAN SCHEDULED South Terminal
21:15 EK010 DUBAI SCHEDULED North Terminal
21:25 MX6171 MEXICO CITY SCHEDULED South Terminal
21:25 TS123 TORONTO SCHEDULED South Terminal
21:25 ZB9252 ALICANTE SCHEDULED South Terminal
21:25 ZB9732 MALAGA SCHEDULED South Terminal

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Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: Bainbo
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 06:03 PM

Apparently there's now a new ash cloud on its way, threatening plans to open airports on Tuesday.

I definitely think now that someone's just making all this up as they go along, to keep us segregated.

Think I can found a new conspiracy theory?

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: MikeL2
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 03:18 PM

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: black walnut - PM
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 12:55 PM

Hi

Just heard that UK airspace will be opened tomorrow. They are not absolutely sure yet to what extent and excatly which airports will be open.

Here in the Northwest of England we have been told that Manchester and Liverpool will be open at 07.00 tomorrow. Scottish and Irish airports open too.

London airports maybe later tomorrow.

Best of luck with your trip

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: black walnut
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 12:55 PM

I'm rebooked for a flight to London very early tomorrow morning, arriving evening. Will it or won't it, that is the question. It's not life or death, it's just that I'm packed and running out of good clothes to wear here. :-)

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: MikeL2
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 11:54 AM

Hi

I just heard that the British Government have called in the Navy to help.

They are sending three large ships - The Ark Royal and two others to Spain and France.

So now it's a mad dash to get people to Santander or Calais.

My wife's sister lives near Granada in Southern Spain and they are beeing bused to Santander as I type.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: Maryrrf
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 11:02 AM

I feel really bad for everybody who has been affected. I'm still hoping Brian Peters can make it for his Richmond concert this Saturday, but it's looking doubtful. Being a lover of Child ballads - I've been looking forward to this one ever since we booked him. But I truly feel for the pour souls who are stuck far from home with no idea when they'll get back. Now people's money is starting to run out...Yikes! . I've experienced weather delays and had to spend a couple of nights in airports - but nothing like this!

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: black walnut
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 10:29 AM

The latest word from my travel agent is that it is "unlikely" that I will be leaving tonight for London, or any time soon. So I'm just waiting now for the official cancellation of my flight.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: Abdul The Bul Bul
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 10:05 AM

No foolestroupe it can't be that, the flight was from Dubai with many other nationalities aboard.
Al

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: Mr Happy
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 09:06 AM

A news item I saw featured a scientific exploratory flight using a propeller driven aircraft.

Is it only jetplanes affected by the ash?

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 06:04 AM

Reminiscent of the famous, perhaps apocryphal, British newspaper headline which once read "Fog in Channel; Continent Cut Off".

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: Stu
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 04:50 AM

"The airlines have apparently been sending out "scout planes" to explore which routes are usable, and for the most part have reported "no problems" for the routes they've tested."

Not exactly: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/robertpeston/

This poses an interesting problem; this is a natural catastrophe, and will capitalism be able to rise to the task of dealing with it effectively? The omens are not good as stranded passengers are being give the usual airline treatment of being ignored or infrequent impersonal communications, and the focus is moving to the economic rather than human cost. There seems to be some pressure from the airlines on NATS to allow some flights, and given the contempt the government and the media hold science in these days it remains to be seen whether caution or cost prevail.

For those of us living under busy flightpaths, it's been a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see clear blue skies sans vapour trails or roaring jets. That said, let's hope this clears soon and those people can get home.

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 04:34 AM

News reports in the US (Sunday) predict that about 50% of scheduled flights in affected parts of Europe may be able to resume by "sometime Monday." While the reports don't give many specifics, it would be expected that the first flights will be those that can be (profitably) flown at lower altitudes where the dust is less dense.

The airlines have apparently been sending out "scout planes" to explore which routes are usable, and for the most part have reported "no problems" for the routes they've tested.

It remains for the regulatory agencies to lift the official ban before commercial carriers can legally fly in the ban areas, so politics still may govern when effective relief for the strandees can begin.

John

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: Suffet
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 04:12 AM

Greetings:

I am beginning to fear that my long planned visit to the UK with my musical partner Anne Price, our respective spouses, and another couple may not happen. So far our plans remain unchanged, but so does the closure of UK airspace. Sooner or later one or the other will have to give way. And as each update passes, later becomes sooner.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: black walnut
Date: 18 Apr 10 - 08:42 PM

I guess I find out tomorrow if my ticket to London is going to carry me there for Tuesday morning. I'm not very optimistic, although my bags are packed.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 18 Apr 10 - 06:59 PM

"why the Pakistani and Filipino passport holders should be separated at the passport control desk after a lengthy onboard passport check?"

I suspect that at least, it might be due to the fact that their nations are not part of the EU?

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: Bainbo
Date: 18 Apr 10 - 04:37 PM

The rest of mainland Europe is ok. They can get about by train, car, bus etc. Here in the UK, in my island nation, I'm starting to feel isolated - cut off from the rest of the world.

You don't suppose this ash is just a smokescreen (so to speak) and there's something they're not telling us? That we're infected or something? Or just unpopular? Ever see the film 28 Days Later?...

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 18 Apr 10 - 04:27 PM

I am hoping my partner can get home on Wednesday after visiting her friends and family in Prague,

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 18 Apr 10 - 03:42 PM

The historian and broadcaster, Dan Snow has returned to Dover from Calais, with about 25 stranded travellers he rescued using three motorboats.

His rescue mission used rigid inflatable boats, known as 'ribs'.

He has crossed the Channel to help those affected by flight restrictions, but he said the French police had ordered him not to return.

Typical of French red tape!!

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: bubblyrat
Date: 18 Apr 10 - 02:40 PM

It now seems that Lufthansa,KLM,and possibly others,are getting impatient,launching their own exploratory test-flights, and claiming that no real threat to airliner safety exists ! Whereas the recent British sampling-flight has detected,albeit in small quantities,different types of identifiable volcanic detritus at various altitudes, and warned against flying through / into it.
    An over -reaction by the "Health & Safety Nutters" may well have ensued, but I for one wouldn't risk it ; would YOU ?? But I guess someone will, and there may yet be tears....

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 18 Apr 10 - 12:50 PM

I just wonder how much the Health and Safety nutters have taken over the flight shut down. It would not surprise me one little bit.

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 18 Apr 10 - 04:30 AM

"This sort of thing (volcanos erupting ) has been going on for millions of years,and we ain't dead yet ; we just never relied on air-travel (or any sort of travel) before ----what's the panic ??"

In the far distant past, volcanic activity has caused huge wipeouts of creatures. IT HAPPENED BEFORE - IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN!

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: GUEST,Abdul home at last
Date: 18 Apr 10 - 02:21 AM

We wre returning to UK on what turned out to be the last flight of the day allowed to continue from Dubai and were diverted to Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris (France, as our colonial cousins are wont to say).

Anyone know why the Pakistani and Filipino passport holders should be separated at the passport control desk after a lengthy onboard passport check?

Al

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: Rowan
Date: 18 Apr 10 - 12:55 AM

sorry I came in here .....
all the best from Skarpi ...

Don't you go all apologetic on us skarpi. You just look after yourself.
But it'd be nice if you were able to keep posting links to what's happening in your neck of the woods.

The lack of flights into or out of Europe has by now created a backlog of stranded Europe-bound passengers in Singapore and Bangkok. I gather the Australians among them are being offered free seats to return to Oz by some airlines.

And thanks, Robin, for the link to the info on Flight BA 009; that was the one I mistakenly referred in my earlier post.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 17 Apr 10 - 08:29 PM

"This sort of thing (volcanos erupting ) has been going on for millions of years,and we ain't dead yet ; we just never relied on air-travel (or any sort of travel) before ----what's the panic ??"

The panic is now that we DO...

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 17 Apr 10 - 08:06 PM

Saw a report earlier on TV that mentioned that since much fresh fruit and veges are flown in to Britain and Europe from elsewhere, there are now massive shortages of same. Proof of the greedy narrow mindedness and short sightedness of profit makers.

I have said for a long time that if a market exceeds more than a 10% level in anything that is not local, whether exports or imports, when the shit hits the fan, many will get hurt (Food, Tourism, 'Education', etc). Grow Local, and enjoy a very small amount of 'luxuries' is merely common sense...

Subject: RE: Flights across UK severe disruption 15 April
From: Seayaker
Date: 17 Apr 10 - 07:50 PM

Living near Stratford on Avon we are near Birmingham and Coventry Airports and under the flightpath for Heathrow etc. Walking the dog this morning it was lovely and quiet.

I've no complaints