The UK is closed for business

[xxMATTGxx]

That's not the only reason i want flights to start again. Of course i'd rather she came home safe than risk being in a plane crash. I was just curious because several people are saying that they're blowing this way out of proportion and being too over-cautious. So i came here to see what others think, and ask a few questions :L

I understand and like you have said you are not the only one. Although if the risk is there, they do not want to take that risk at all. The problem we have I think is we need a dedicated plane to do more flights with the correct equipment that can check what's up there, measure it and god knows what else. I know we do have one I believe but unfortunately that is grounded due to some reason. (This was before this even started)

Back in the day we did have a C-130 that did all of this stuff!

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/8/1/8/1257818.jpg

[Tintinnabulate]

The ban is being maintained by NATS and other official bodies, whom I would trust more than the commercial airlines who are losing a lot of money! I see what you're saying I just wouldn't be willing to take the risk really :(.

UK Airlines are losing £1 million per hour so its understandable why they want to be back up ASAP :P


I understand and like you have said you are not the only one. Although if the risk is there, they do not want to take that risk at all. The problem we have I think is we need a dedicated plane to do more flights with the correct equipment that can check what's up there, measure it and god knows what else. I know we do have one I believe but unfortunately that is grounded due to some reason. (This was before this even started)

Back in the day we did have a C-130 that did all of this stuff!

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/8/1/8/1257818.jpg

why does it have some weird nose?

[xxMATTGxx]

UK Airlines are losing £1 million per hour so its understandable why they want to be back up ASAP :P



why does it have some weird nose?

That would be the atmospheric probe. :P

[Titch]

That would be the atmospheric probe. :P
wouldnt want to stand it front of that on a ladder!!!!!

[Sam]

Just looking at the diagrams, have they not considered anything like flying people from North America to somewhere like Norway and then getting a ferry from there? Norway seems relatively close to the UK yet it is out of the way of the ash cloud.

Just another question, don't flame :)

[xxMATTGxx]

Just looking at the diagrams, have they not considered anything like flying people from North America to somewhere like Norway and then getting a ferry from there? Norway seems relatively close to the UK yet it is out of the way of the ash cloud.

Just another question, don't flame :)

To get to Norway you have to travel over the UK or above the UK closer to Iceland. Which would be close to some ash I believe? Although I'm not sure on the current status of Norway's airspace.

[Sam]

Apparently there's no ash north of Iceland. It'd take longer but they could fly around it? I'm just going off the pictures posted by the Met. They show no ash near the central parts of Norway.

[xxMATTGxx]

Apparently there's no ash north of Iceland. It'd take longer but they could fly around it? I'm just going off the pictures posted by the Met. They show no ash near the central parts of Norway.

I see, I know Norway was effected some point so that is probably why they haven't done that. I don't have any other reasons just that not all of the ash can be picked up by satellites. :P

[Sam]

Stupid ash ;[ Cant go somewhere like Greenland where no one cares about. Has to come over here ;o

[xxMATTGxx]

Stupid ash ;[ Cant go somewhere like Greenland where no one cares about. Has to come over here ;o

Let's hope some sort of air travel starts resuming early next week!

"The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimated that the airline industry worldwide would lose GB£130 million (US$200 million, €148 million) a day during the disruption"

[Sam]

They're saying about 50% of European flights will hopefully be going up tomorrow. Then the changing weather conditions throughout the week should allow for some more progress ;o

[Yoshimitsui]

Just looking at the diagrams, have they not considered anything like flying people from North America to somewhere like Norway and then getting a ferry from there? Norway seems relatively close to the UK yet it is out of the way of the ash cloud.

Just another question, don't flame :)

There is alot of what ifs, but no one is prepared to take the risk, not is it easy. Even to attempt that sort of operation the majority of aircraft as within UK airspace and cannot leave it. And as Matt said the routing is generally up and over. The operation of moving people from one place to another is not worth it at the time being as ferry's and what not are rammed up to the max, and if people can stay in hotel facilties for the time being its better than being in the balance. I know i would prefer to sit it out in a hotel, but i wouldn't mind a take a risk flight either.

[Stefy09]

*REMOVED*

Edited by Oli (Assistant Forum Manager): Please don't post to cause arguments

[Sam]

Aww why was my post removed. It was a valid contribution to the thread! ;[

[Blinger$]

that sucks.

[cocaine]

restrictions continued until at least 0100 tomorrow (tues 20th april)

[Tintinnabulate]

restrictions continued until at least 0100 tomorrow (tues 20th april)
Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Monday April 19, 0830

Based on the latest information from the Met Office, NATS advises that the current restrictions across UK controlled airspace due to the volcanic ash cloud will remain in place until at least 0100 (local) on Tuesday 20th April.
Anyone hoping to travel should contact their airline before travelling to the airport.
Conditions around the movement of the layers of the volcanic ash cloud over the UK remain dynamic. NATS is maintaining close dialogue with the Met Office and with the UK's safety regulator, the CAA, in respect of the international civil aviation policy we follow in applying restrictions to use of airspace. We are currently awaiting CAA guidance.
We are working closely with Government, airports and airlines, and airframe and aero engine manufacturers to get a better understanding of the effects of the ash cloud and to seek solutions.
The next update will be issued at approximately 1500 (local) today.

[alexxxxx]

the transport ministers of the eu council are meeting today to try to work out some solutions to problems being caused. There's now issues of food imports being affected as fruits and other foods usually airfreighted in are getting stuck in warehouses in their country of origin and these warehouses are almost full meaning some food will literally just waste away. I think action needs to be taken where, especially food, can be flown in via spain & italy and ground-shipped elsewhere, or we'll get significant price rises in food in a few days.

[Tintinnabulate]

the transport ministers of the eu council are meeting today to try to work out some solutions to problems being caused. There's now issues of food imports being affected as fruits and other foods usually airfreighted in are getting stuck in warehouses in their country of origin and these warehouses are almost full meaning some food will literally just waste away. I think action needs to be taken where, especially food, can be flown in via spain & italy and ground-shipped elsewhere, or we'll get significant price rises in food in a few days.
Price will rise even if they were shipped in. Just means food wont be wasted :).

[xxMATTGxx]

Three Royal Navy ships will be drafted to return Britons stranded abroad as UK air remains restricted.

[xxMATTGxx]

To add on my post above:


Three Royal Navy ships will be drafted to help return Britons stranded abroad as UK airspace remains restricted.

The move was announced after the UK's emergency committee Cobra met to discuss options in addressing travel chaos caused by a volcanic ash cloud.

The ships HMS Ark Royal, HMS Ocean and HMS Albion are heading for Spain and unspecified Channel ports.

On Monday morning, flight restrictions were extended by air traffic control service Nats to 0100 BST Tuesday.

Planes were first grounded in the UK at midday on Thursday amid fears particles in the ash cloud from Eyjafjallajoekull could cause engines to shut down.

Travel agents' association Abta said its "rough estimate" was that 150,000 Britons are currently stranded abroad, and rail and ferry services have been stretched to the limit by passengers seeking other means to return.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8628878.stm


EuroControl:

OPEN: South Europe, incl. PT ES, parts of IT and FR, Balkans, BG GR and TR +parts of northern Europe (NO, parts of SE)

Airspace CLOSED 10.30 CET: BE CZ DK EE FI DE HU IR NL, north IT, parts of FR, PO RO SL CH, parts of UA and UK

[Jamesy]

some pretty astonishing images being taken from the eruption:

http://i.imgur.com/U7UY1.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/LSh9q.jpg

Iceland is very pissed :P

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/glance/1041824/lightning-flashes-over-iceland-volcano

[xxMATTGxx]

Several Nato F-16 fighter jets suffered engine damage after flying through volcanic ash, says senior Western diplomat.
British Airways has said it has asked the European Union and the UK government for financial compensation for the closure of airspace.

-----------------------------------------------------------
British Airways has said it has asked the European Union and the UK government for financial compensation for the closure of airspace.

BA said other airlines had also done so, adding that there was a precedent for this after the closure of US airspace after the 9/11 attacks.

The airline estimates that the crisis is costing it about £15m to £20m a day.

Virtually all flights in and out of the UK have been grounded since 1100 BST on Thursday because of volcanic ash.

BA chief executive Willie Walsh said: "We welcome the EU's initiative to address the economic consequences of the airspace closure on the air travel industry and the wider European economy.

"We are also in touch with the UK government which has set up a group to work on this issue as it recognises the impact on airlines and the contribution that aviation makes to the British economy."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8629674.stm

[Rapidshare]

is that bloody lump of land still blowing ash out to the sky?

[xxMATTGxx]

is that bloody lump of land still blowing ash out to the sky?

Experts are saying it is quieting down.

Image:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lL_3Uhhcq3E/S8xD75LehPI/AAAAAAAAA0A/KLMkZwZC9D8/s1152/50.jpg

Edit: Update: Iceland volcano now producing lava, appears to be spewing more steam and less ash, meteorological official says - Reuters

[Tintinnabulate]

some pretty astonishing images being taken from the eruption:

http://i.imgur.com/U7UY1.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/LSh9q.jpg

Iceland is very pissed :P

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/glance/1041824/lightning-flashes-over-iceland-volcano

The smoke on top of the first image looks like MiB from Lost tbh.


Several Nato F-16 fighter jets suffered engine damage after flying through volcanic ash, says senior Western diplomat.
British Airways has said it has asked the European Union and the UK government for financial compensation for the closure of airspace.

-----------------------------------------------------------
British Airways has said it has asked the European Union and the UK government for financial compensation for the closure of airspace.

BA said other airlines had also done so, adding that there was a precedent for this after the closure of US airspace after the 9/11 attacks.

The airline estimates that the crisis is costing it about £15m to £20m a day.

Virtually all flights in and out of the UK have been grounded since 1100 BST on Thursday because of volcanic ash.

BA chief executive Willie Walsh said: "We welcome the EU's initiative to address the economic consequences of the airspace closure on the air travel industry and the wider European economy.

"We are also in touch with the UK government which has set up a group to work on this issue as it recognises the impact on airlines and the contribution that aviation makes to the British economy."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8629674.stm

So theres the proof that the ash can cause engine damage...

[xxMATTGxx]

Latest Updates: German air authorities give Lufthansa permission to fly 50 planes back to Germany with passengers.

------------------

Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Monday April 19, 1530

The volcanic eruption has reduced and the volcano is not currently emitting ash to altitudes that will affect the UK. Assuming there are no further significant ash emissions we are now looking at a continuously improving situation.

Based on the latest information from the Met Office, NATS advises that the restrictions currently in place across UK controlled airspace will remain in place until 0700 (local time) tomorrow, Tuesday.

From 0700 (local time) tomorrow, Tuesday, Scottish airspace will be open, and south to a line between Teesside and Blackpool. Mainland Scottish airports will be open.

This is a dynamic and changing situation and is therefore difficult to forecast beyond 0700 local; however, the latest Met Office advice is that the contaminated area will continue to move south with the possibility that restrictions to airspace above England and Wales, including the London area, may be lifted later tomorrow (Tuesday).

We will continue to monitor Met Office information and review our arrangements in line with that. We will advise further arrangements at approximately 2100 (local time), today.

It is now for airports and airlines to decide how best to utilise this opportunity. Passengers should contact their airlines to find out how this will affect their travel plans.


-----------------------------------------------------

Two military flights have left Cyprus carrying British troops to Spain, where they will transfer to HMS Albion.

[Sam]

At least things are starting to look up. If things carry on the way they are then that means flights to the UK should start to operate tomorrow. They havent been too far off with their predictions so far so i'm choosing to be fairly optimistic about the situation.

[xxMATTGxx]

At least things are starting to look up. If things carry on the way they are then that means flights to the UK should start to operate tomorrow. They havent been too far off with their predictions so far so i'm choosing to be fairly optimistic about the situation.

Yeah, it's good news for once regarding it. Nice to see the government sending the Royal Navy to pick up passengers also! But do expect tons of people still in other countries over the days or even weeks when it's fully open. There is a ton of backlog to get through.

[Catzsy]

sup ma gf is stuck in america so i demand that they fly all people stuck in america to spain so they can get the ferry home

Well I think that is probably going to start happening - the government are taking action. :D

[xxMATTGxx]

Manchester Airport will be open from 09:00 on Tuesday 20 April 2010 unless there is a deterioration in conditions. Schedules will take some time to return to normal @manairport so it is essential that people contact their airline b4 travelling here.

[Tintinnabulate]

Well I think that is probably going to start happening - the government are taking action. :D

Labour is the best afterall :).

[xxMATTGxx]

Labour is the best afterall :).

Let's not turn this thread into one of these please.

"Large plume indicates second Icelandic volcano, Hekla, has begun erupting"

[-:Undertaker:-]

Labour is the best afterall :).

Ahh but a UKIP plane defied the ban in the face of extreme danger. ;)
http://www.ukip.org/content/latest-news/1545-ukip-plane-defies-the-volcano-flight-ban

Anyway back on the topic, according to German and some other authorities they now believe the threat over overstated in the first place, but whats done is done anyway. My Uncle and Aunty are stuck in Spain (wouldnt mind it myself) and my other Aunty and Uncle who are here now from Austrialia want it to carry on so they can stay here longer. :P

[Tintinnabulate]

Ahh but a UKIP plane defied the ban in the face of extreme danger. ;)
http://www.ukip.org/content/latest-news/1545-ukip-plane-defies-the-volcano-flight-ban

Anyway back on the topic, according to German and some other authorities they now believe the threat over overstated in the first place, but whats done is done anyway. My Uncle and Aunty are stuck in Spain (wouldnt mind it myself) and my other Aunty and Uncle who are here now from Austrialia want it to carry on so they can stay here longer. :P
He risked the pilots life! What an awful politician :P haha.

It wasn't overstated as Matt's post stated earlier that engine damgae occurred as a result of flying through volcanic ash.

[xxMATTGxx]

Ahh but a UKIP plane defied the ban in the face of extreme danger. ;)
http://www.ukip.org/content/latest-news/1545-ukip-plane-defies-the-volcano-flight-ban

Anyway back on the topic, according to German and some other authorities they now believe the threat over overstated in the first place, but whats done is done anyway. My Uncle and Aunty are stuck in Spain (wouldnt mind it myself) and my other Aunty and Uncle who are here now from Austrialia want it to carry on so they can stay here longer. :P

They all have their own system, so why did they close down then if it was "over rated"? :P

Although the airlines are now saying this but come on, they are losing millions so who wouldn't. I think the problem is that just because they have had test flights doesn't mean its not a risk. Since a plane got into trouble with the ash on Sunday (plane = being a weather plane)

[Technologic]

http://bnonews.com/urgent/?p=2430


April 19, 2010. 12:31 ET
REYKJAVIK (BNO NEWS) -- The Hekla volcano in southern Iceland erupted on Monday afternoon.

Live images from the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service showed a huge plume of smoke rising from the volcano.

(Copyright 2010 by BNO News B.V. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without explicit prior permission from BNO News B.V. Contact [email protected] for more information about subscriptions.)


Edit: FALSE ALARM! They were looking at the wrong volcano... they just mistook eflegglelelelwhateveritscalled for Hekla

[Sam]

If someone has been told they will be on a certain flight at a certain time, does that mean they'll still get on that flight? Due to the backlogs.. Relating to myself again, it's mainly so i can call my girlfriend later and tell her whats going on. So virgin have said her flight was rescheduled to Saturday at 8am when it was first cancelled. Will that still apply?

[Jordy]

Labour is the best afterall :).What took them so long? As soon as it was known about early on Thursday morning many predicted that it would go on for many days and saw it likely that people would be stranded across Britain. Only today have Labour had an emergency meeting, which I admit has paid off. Three navy ships and more trains/ferries throughout the UK is the outcome, but this has taken them five days? That's not a Labour rescue, that's a disaster. Plus it's likely to be a day or two before the ships are ready and the Madrid Hub is setup. People have been suggesting for many days the Navy should be doing something.

[Tintinnabulate]

What took them so long? As soon as it was known about early on Thursday morning many predicted that it would go on for many days and saw it likely that people would be stranded across Britain. Only today have Labour had an emergency meeting, which I admit has paid off. Three navy ships and more trains/ferries throughout the UK is the outcome, but this has taken them five days? That's not a Labour rescue, that's a disaster. Plus it's likely to be a day or two before the ships are ready and the Madrid Hub is setup. People have been suggesting for many days the Navy should be doing something.

If Gordon Brown couldnt make the debate on Thursday evening, people would say he is using the volcano as an excuse.

[Jordy]

If Gordon Brown couldnt make the debate on Thursday evening, people would say he is using the volcano as an excuse.What about Friday, Saturday, Sunday?

Edit: I'd also just like to apologise to you guys for the political debate within this thread. However I was not the one who dragged Labour into it, it's only fair I counter the ridiculous claims by Dander.

[Titch]

If Gordon Brown couldnt make the debate on Thursday evening, people would say he is using the volcano as an excuse.

not really, i would see it as he is giving a dam about this country and not just on getting votes.

[xxMATTGxx]

If someone has been told they will be on a certain flight at a certain time, does that mean they'll still get on that flight? Due to the backlogs.. Relating to myself again, it's mainly so i can call my girlfriend later and tell her whats going on. So virgin have said her flight was rescheduled to Saturday at 8am when it was first cancelled. Will that still apply?


Most likely. Her best bet is to speak to Virgin.



What took them so long? As soon as it was known about early on Thursday morning many predicted that it would go on for many days and saw it likely that people would be stranded across Britain. Only today have Labour had an emergency meeting, which I admit has paid off. Three navy ships and more trains/ferries throughout the UK is the outcome, but this has taken them five days? That's not a Labour rescue, that's a disaster. Plus it's likely to be a day or two before the ships are ready and the Madrid Hub is setup. People have been suggesting for many days the Navy should be doing something.


If Gordon Brown couldnt make the debate on Thursday evening, people would say he is using the volcano as an excuse.


What about Friday, Saturday, Sunday?

Edit: I'd also just like to apologise to you guys for the political debate within this thread. However I was not the one who dragged Labour into it, it's only fair I counter the ridiculous claims by Dander.

Might of took a bit longer but it wasn't exactly that long. This is isn't about whoever is in charge and who would of decided to send the Navy quicker because to be quite frank it would probably be around the same amount of time. At least it has now been done and it seems the air is clearing and looks like the airlines can be back up in the skies sorting out their passengers!

[Tintinnabulate]

What about Friday, Saturday, Sunday?

Edit: I'd also just like to apologise to you guys for the political debate within this thread. However I was not the one who dragged Labour into it, it's only fair I counter the ridiculous claims by Dander.

I was merely making a joke :) Sorry it wasnt very clear. However, no other country held emergency meetings either? Labour didnt know how long this could last. Once it was obvious its not improving, they held an emergency meeting and got everything into action.

[Jordy]

I was merely making a joke :) Sorry it wasnt very clear. However, no other country held emergency meetings either? Labour didnt know how long this could last. Once it was obvious its not improving, they held an emergency meeting and got everything into action.Once again the Labour Government failing to listen to Scientists again is it? That certainly wouldn't be a first... Many Scientists said this could potentially last a lot longer than just Thursday.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8336635.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8353685.stm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/apr/04/drugs-advisory-committee-resignations

I don't believe any other countries have been affected by it as badly as us, France & Germany were hit by it later on and only in parts. Nor does it make it right that our government is so slow to react.

The whole theory has never been tested and is unravelling around volcanic ash and air safety. I'm not saying it was unnecessary yet but evidence is beginning to point in that direction and it seems like it might be an EU over-reaction.

[Tintinnabulate]

Once again the Labour Government failing to listen to Scientists again is it? That certainly wouldn't be a first... Many Scientists said this could potentially last a lot longer than just Thursday.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8336635.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8353685.stm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/apr/04/drugs-advisory-committee-resignations

I don't believe any other countries have been affected by it as badly as us, France & Germany were hit by it later on and only in parts. Nor does it make it right that our government is so slow to react.

The whole theory has never been tested and is unravelling around volcanic ash and air safety. I'm not saying it was unnecessary yet but evidence is beginning to point in that direction and it seems like it might be an EU over-reaction.

Maybe they should have looked into it on Saturday but it happened on Thursday afternoon and they held meetings on Sunday. It isnt that late.

And are people not reading the story on planes engines being damaged due to the volcanic ash? :S It obviously wasn't an over-reaction.

[xxMATTGxx]

Maybe they should have looked into it on Saturday but it happened on Thursday afternoon and they held meetings on Sunday. It isnt that late.

And are people not reading the story on planes engines being damaged due to the volcanic ash? :S It obviously wasn't an over-reaction.

Considering the meeting by all the other organisations and god knows what wasn't until Monday. I hardly blame Labour.

[Sammeth.]

Yeah this isn't about politics please please please don't turn it into one cus I don't want people to be put off by this thread like they usually end up being. Its a good source for information regarding the current status of airspace, so lets leave it that way.

[Sam]

I don't like politics ;[ going off the met office diagrams of the ash cloud, the amount covering the UK has practically halved since the volcano stopped erupting to an extent which effects the UK. Which means hopefully, if things stay as they are, it should be completely clear in a few days :D

[Jordy]

Maybe they should have looked into it on Saturday but it happened on Thursday afternoon and they held meetings on Sunday. It isnt that late.

And are people not reading the story on planes engines being damaged due to the volcanic ash? :S It obviously wasn't an over-reaction.Considering there is over 150,000 Britains stranded and airlines are losing over £130m a day I think time is at the essence. Of course it's good something has been done, but I don't think their response should be considered "praise worthy" considering it really wasn't that quick of a response. The scientists cannot be blamed that's for sure.

[xxMATTGxx]

This is what the airports have been looking like:

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/7/9/6/1687697.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/6/9/6/1687696.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/6/8/9/1687986.jpg

[Tintinnabulate]

Considering there is over 150,000 Britains stranded and airlines are losing over £130m a day I think time is at the essence. Of course it's good something has been done, but I don't think their response should be considered "praise worthy" considering it really wasn't that quick of a response. The scientists cannot be blamed that's for sure.

I dont see any other parties trying to suggest ideas etc? They were too busy with their own campaign to care.

[Sam]

Stop with the politics talk ! ;o

[Jordy]

I dont see any other parties trying to suggest ideas etc? They were too busy with their own campaign to care.Out of respect for the other people in this thread I've PMed you with an answer for that. Once again I would like to apologise for talking politics within this thread against your wills (Beforehand it was probably the only politics-free place on the forum :P), it is note worthy however Dander began by bringing a ridiculous suggestion about Labour into it (http://www.habboxforum.com/showthread.php?t=638889&p=6420017#post6420017), which is only rightly countered.

I shan't post here again.

[Tintinnabulate]

Out of respect for the other people in this thread I've PMed you with an answer for that. Once again I would like to apologise for talking politics within this thread against your wills (Beforehand it was probably the only politics-free place on the forum :P), it is note worthy however Dander began by bringing a ridiculous suggestion about Labour into it (http://www.habboxforum.com/showthread.php?t=638889&p=6420017#post6420017), which is only rightly countered.

I shan't post here again.

It was actually this post which was the first political post :P http://www.habboxforum.com/showthread.php?t=638889&p=6418883#post6418883
And as I said before, it was merely a joke :) and I apologised that it wasnt more obvious.

[Titch]

THIS THREAD IS NOT FOR POLITICS! GO AWAY! You have ruined a very good thread, i myself shall not even bother reading this thread anymore.

OT: Hopefully dads flight to Egypt Friday will be okay

[Inseriousity.]

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/6/8/9/1687986.jpg

Aww, why do such mundane things always look so much prettier in the dark (and no jokes about your girlfriends either :p)?

Anyway, just out of curiousity but how many teachers were missing from your school/college today? About 5, including the principal but compared to my brother's, 5 is nothing. There were 11. :D

[Sam]

Aww i really wanted to reply with a 'yo momma' insult to that post :L

Because i'm immature like that :rolleyes:

[xxMATTGxx]

Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Monday April 19, 2145

Since our last statement at 1530 today, the volcano eruption in Iceland has strengthened and a new ash cloud is spreading south and east towards the UK. This demonstrates the dynamic and rapidly changing conditions in which we are working.

Latest information from the Met Office shows that the situation is worsening in some areas. Based on this information, the situation for Northern Irish airports for the morning is uncertain, due to the new ash cloud. The latest information shows that Scottish airports should be available from 0700 and more airspace over England may become available from 1300 although not as far south as the main London airports.

We will continue to monitor Met Office information and the situation is likely to change overnight. We will make a further statement at approximately 0300 (local time), tomorrow, Tuesday 20 April and again at 0700.

NATS is maintaining close dialogue with the Met Office and with the UK's safety regulator, the CAA, in respect of the international civil aviation policy we follow in applying restrictions to use of airspace. We are currently awaiting CAA guidance.

We are working closely with Government, airports and airlines, and airframe and aero engine manufacturers to get a better understanding of the effects of the ash cloud and to seek solutions.

[Catzsy]

If someone has been told they will be on a certain flight at a certain time, does that mean they'll still get on that flight? Due to the backlogs.. Relating to myself again, it's mainly so i can call my girlfriend later and tell her whats going on. So virgin have said her flight was rescheduled to Saturday at 8am when it was first cancelled. Will that still apply?

Well here is the latest Virgin news link. It may help.

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/us/passengerinformation/latestnews/index.jsp

[Tintinnabulate]

Because its changing so quickly, I think they might not have incoming long haul flights yet even if airports open.

[wixard]

my best friends parents have been away 2 weeks now, meant to come home on saturday
the earliest they'll be home is sunday, but she's ran out of food and money hahaha and she can't work a washing machine
so me being the good samaritan that i am, have offered her and her brother shelter chez moi

don't know how long i can put up with her to be honest
GET HER PARENTS HOME

[Allyy-Lovee]

When Do you think all the ash will be cleared up by?

[xxMATTGxx]

Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Tuesday April 20, 0245

Since our last statement at 2100 (local time) yesterday, the volcano eruption in Iceland has strengthened and a new ash cloud is spreading south and east towards the UK. This demonstrates the dynamic and rapidly changing conditions in which we are working.

Latest information from the Met Office shows that the situation is variable. The information shows that Scottish airsports should be available from 0700 (local time) and more airspace over England may become available from 1300 (local time) although not as far south as the main London airports.

We will continue to monitor Met Office information and the situation is likely to change during the course of the day. We will make a further statement at approximately 0900 (local time), today, Tuesday 20 April.

NATS is maintaining close dialogue with the Met Office and with the UK's safety regulator, the CAA, in respect of the international civil aviation policy we follow in applying restrictions to use of airspace.

We are working closely with Government, airports and airlines, and airframe and aero engine manufacturers to get a better understanding of the effects of the ash cloud and to seek solutions.

[Tintinnabulate]

Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Tuesday April 20, 0900

The situation regarding the volcanic eruption in Iceland remains dynamic and the latest information from the Met Office shows that the situation today will continue to be variable.

Based on the latest Met Office information, part of Scottish airspace including Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh airports will continue to be available from 1300-1900 today, and also south to Newcastle Airport. Restrictions will remain in place over the rest of UK airspace below 20,000ft.

Overnight the CAA, in line with new guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) decided flights above the ash cloud will be permitted in the UK; between 1300-1900 this will enable aircraft movements above 20,000ft in UK airspace.

We will continue to monitor Met Office information and the situation is likely to change during the course of the day. We will make a further statement at approximately 1500.

NATS is maintaining close dialogue with the Met Office and with the UK's safety regulator, the CAA, in respect of the international civil aviation policy we follow in applying restrictions to use of airspace.

We are working closely with Government, airports and airlines, and airframe and aero engine manufacturers to get a better understanding of the effects of the ash cloud and to seek solutions.

[Meanies]

my driving instructors stuck in turkey so my lessons cancelled today :@:@

[xxMATTGxx]

American journalist Neal Karlinksy has reached the top of Iceland's erupting Eyjafjallajoekull volcano.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8632389.stm

Very good video!

[xxMATTGxx]

Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Tuesday April 20, 1500

The situation regarding the volcanic eruption in Iceland remains dynamic and the latest information from the Met Office shows that the situation will continue to be variable.

Based on the latest Met Office information, part of Scottish and Northern Irish airspace including Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh airports will continue to be available from 1900 today to 0100 tomorrow, Wednesday 21 April, and also south to Newcastle Airport. Glasgow and Teesside airports will additionally become available in this time period. Restrictions will remain in place over the rest of UK airspace below 20,000ft.

Flights above the ash cloud are now permitted in the UK; between 1900 today and 0100 tomorrow, this will enable aircraft movements above 20,000ft in UK airspace.

We will continue to monitor Met Office information and the situation is likely to change during the course of the day. We will make a further statement at approximately 2100 today.

NATS is maintaining close dialogue with the Met Office and with the UK's safety regulator, the CAA, in respect of the international civil aviation policy we follow in applying restrictions to use of airspace.

We are working closely with Government, airports and airlines, and airframe and aero engine manufacturers to get a better understanding of the effects of the ash cloud and to seek solutions.

[Sam]

Ah i was getting hopeful when they said the BA flights were landing in London and discussing it with NATS. Because other companies wouldn't like that. Would be a lot more pressure on the ease of the ban. Turns out they're being diverted elsewhere now.

Though apparently the volcano has stopped producing ash to a level which effects the UK again. Guess thats some more good news.

[xxMATTGxx]

Ah i was getting hopeful when they said the BA flights were landing in London and discussing it with NATS. Because other companies wouldn't like that. Would be a lot more pressure on the ease of the ban. Turns out they're being diverted elsewhere now.

Though apparently the volcano has stopped producing ash to a level which effects the UK again. Guess thats some more good news.

1 Hour Ago:
Sky sources: 26 BA longhaul flights currently in the air and en route to UK

Civil Aviation Authority says BA would breach regulations if flights landed at Heathrow tonight

Sky sources: Two British Airways flights have landed in Brussels

BA tells Sky News it is still hopeful of getting special permission to land planes at Heathrow tonight

BA confirms one flight landed in Brussels, number of others diverting to other European airports


Edit: Scrap that, I think the ones that have not landed are allowed. Hmm, will post more soon!


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UPDATE:

Civil Aviation Authority says there will be a phased reintroduction of UK airspace from 10pm


"Airports are allowed to open from 10pm tonight and airlines are allowed to reschedule their flights"

[Titch]

BREAKING NEWS:

ALL UK AIRSPACE TO RE-OPEN FROM 10PM HOWEVER AIRLINES MUST COMPLY TO STRICT REGULATIONS OF CHECKING THE PLANES AFTER EVERY FLIGHT

edit: DAM YOU MATT GETTING THERE WITH UR EDIT

[xxMATTGxx]

The Statement from the CAA:



The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the UK’s independent specialist regulator with oversight of aviation safety, today issues new guidance on the use of airspace. This is issued in conjunction with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and covers the Anglo Irish Functional Airspace Block (FAB).

The new guidance allows a phased reintroduction from 2200 tonight of much of the airspace which is currently closed due to the volcanic ash plume over the UK. There will continue to be some ‘no fly zones’ where concentrations of ash are at levels unsafe for flights to take place, but very much smaller than the present restrictions. Furthermore, the Met Office advise that the ‘no fly zones’ do not currently cover the UK.

“Making sure that air travellers can fly safely is the CAA’s overriding priority.

“The CAA has drawn together many of the world’s top aviation engineers and experts to find a way to tackle this immense challenge, unknown in the UK and Europe in living memory. Current international procedures recommend avoiding volcano ash at all times. In this case owing to the magnitude of the ash cloud, its position over Europe and the static weather conditions most of the EU airspace had to close and aircraft could not be physically routed around the problem area as there was no space to do so. We had to ensure, in a situation without precedent, that decisions made were based on a thorough gathering of data and analysis by experts. This evidence based approach helped to validate a new standard that is now being adopted across Europe.

“The major barrier to resuming flight has been understanding tolerance levels of aircraft to ash. Manufacturers have now agreed increased tolerance levels in low ash density areas.”

Our way forward is based on international data and evidence from previous volcanic ash incidents, new data collected from test flights and additional analysis from manufacturers over the past few days. It is a conservative model allowing a significant buffer on top of the level the experts feel may pose a risk.

In addition, the CAA’s Revised Airspace Guidance requires airlines to:
· conduct their own risk assessment and develop operational procedures to address any remaining risks;
· put in place an intensive maintenance ash damage inspection before and after each flight; and
· report any ash related incidents to a reporting scheme run by the CAA.

The CAA will also continue to monitor the situation with tests both in the air and on the ground.

http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=14&pagetype=65&appid=7&mode=detail&nid=1862

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Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Tuesday April 20, 2040

Response to CAA statement

NATS has received new direction from the UK’s safety regulator, the CAA, on applying restrictions to UK airspace following the volcanic eruption in Iceland.

As soon as revised accurate information is available from the MET Office on the location of the dense ash cloud, NATS will review airspace availability and provide an update to airline operators on any airspace that has been restricted for safety reasons. We will issue a further statement by 2200.

[Nixt]

So is that just airspace over the UK open, or will flights from Europe be able to come in / go out now?

[xxMATTGxx]

So is that just airspace over the UK open, or will flights from Europe be able to come in / go out now?

It seems parts of Europe are open, I'm not sure how much is or how much is still closed. But it will be possbile for certain flights from Europe etc etc.

This is from the BBC and I'm not sure how old this information may be:


BELGIUM - Airspace open
BRITAIN - All airports to reopen from 2100 GMT
DENMARK - Airspace above 16,600ft open. No landings
FRANCE - Limited flights. Most airports open, Air France resuming long-haul service Wednesday
GERMANY - Airspace staying shut to 0001 GMT Wednesday, apart from 800 low-altitude flights
IRELAND - Airspace closed
ITALY - Airspace open. Handful of flights resumed in and out of Milan
NETHERLANDS - Airspace open
NORWAY - Airspace reopened
POLAND - Airspace closed
SPAIN - All airports open
SWEDEN - Airspace open over central-northern Sweden
SWITZERLAND - Airspace reopened

[Titch]

It seems parts of Europe are open, I'm not sure how much is or how much is still closed. But it will be possbile for certain flights from Europe etc etc.

This is from the BBC and I'm not sure how old this information may be:

irish airspace is now open from 10:00
french airspace re-opening fully from 10:00 aswell

[Titch]

First flight to leave heathrow in 7 mins time, first flight to arrive at 9:55 followed by one at 10:37 and 11:35

[Mathew]

Sat in Orlando Airport waiting to board in 15 mins or so.. all looks good so far, ready to land in Heathrow tomorrow! :)

[Yoshimitsui]

All UK airports open for business and airspace open for inbound/outbound at operators individual risk.

[Titch]

All UK airports open for business and airspace open for inbound/outbound at operators individual risk.

old news - reps, joke, old news tho mateey :)

Nice to see you coming home mathew!!! Dad just text me saying hes on a flight leaving in a few hours from Egypt coming home!

[xxMATTGxx]

It's good news at last and aircraft shall start moving all over the world heading to and from the UK. Then when all of the backlog has finally cleared, then normal operations can continue. :P

[Sam]

But for how long is the question :) Could be another severe cloud by the weekend.

[xxMATTGxx]

But for how long is the question :) Could be another severe cloud by the weekend.


True! :P

---------------------------------------

Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Tuesday April 20, 2300

NATS welcomes new CAA guidance and reopens airspace

We are delighted to report that most restrictions on UK airspace began to be lifted at 2134 (local time) this evening, following new guidance from the UK’s safety regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority on restrictions to UK airspace as a result of the volcanic eruption.

Air traffic control services have resumed in the UK with the exception of an area over the north west of Scotland which continues to be affected by a dense concentration of volcanic ash. Based on current information this situation is not expected to change overnight. The situation continues to be dynamic as a result of changing weather conditions and the prediction of dense areas of volcanic ash. NATS will continue to monitor the latest Met Office and VAAC information and the CAA’s updates on the availability of UK airspace.

This brings to an end a period of disruption and uncertainty for air passengers. Our operation is fully staffed and already responding to the backlog of flights entering UK airspace. We will be working with the airlines and airports to resume normal operations as soon as possible.

Due to the scale of the disruption, it will take some time for flights to resume normal operations and passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest information about flights.

There are no further operational changes expected overnight and on this basis our next update will be at 0900 (local time) on 21 April.

[Sam]

Damn, i was expecting someone to give me some false reassurance that couldn't possibly happen :L

[xxMATTGxx]

Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Wednesday April 20, 0945

Overnight most of the UK’s airspace has been available with the exception of an area over the north west of Scotland which has continued to be affected by a dense concentration of volcanic ash. We continue to work with the latest information and guidance from our safety regulator, the CAA, the Met Office and the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre on the predicted movements of the area of dense volcanic ash. Based on the latest information, we anticipate that this area will continue to centre on the north west of Scotland and may extend further south into Scottish airspace during today.

Between the period of 0100 – 0700 on 21 April NATS handled 130 flights in airspace over England and Wales and 35 flights in Scottish airspace (including Northern Ireland). We are in regular contact with the UK airports and airline operators to understand the latest information on flights entering UK airspace and our operation is ready to respond to an increase in demand.

Passengers should contact their airlines to find out how the current situation will affect their travel plans. We anticipate being able to provide a further update late this afternoon.

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Flight disruptions cost airlines $1.7bn, says IATA

Global airlines have lost about $1.7bn (£1.1bn) as a result of the disruptions to flights caused by the Icelandic volcanic eruption, a body has said.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said that at its height, the "crisis" hit almost a third of global flights.

It also estimated that 1.2 million passengers a day were affected.

On Tuesday night, flights started landing in the UK after a six-day shutdown of UK airspace.

The decision to lift the ban followed safety tests that showed plane engines could cope in areas of low density ash.

"For an industry that lost $9.4bn last year and was forecast to lose a further $2.8bn in 2010, this crisis is devastating," said Giovanni Bisignani, chief executive of IATA.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8634147.stm