The UK is closed for business

[xxMATTGxx]

Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Sunday April 18, 2100

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 1900 (local time) on Monday 19 April.

There may currently be some limited opportunities in Shetland for flights, subject to individual co-ordination with ATC. However, 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 0300 (local time).

[Sam]

Well i've been extensively following everything to do with the eruption the past few days because my girlfriend is stranded in America. Each time her flight gets cancelled, they have to wait a week to try and get on a new one. So at the moment, for me, its fingers crossed for the all clear by this Friday coming.

Obviously there is a risk that even if the test flights are fine, that others planes could be damaged but Germany has sent up 8 planes, along with France sending up planes and now the UK. The UK test flight appeared to be fine but now they're doing testing to analyse the damage (if any) that was done to the plane but all is looking good so far. Personally i think they're being a little too over cautious myself. I believe they should at least provide flights to the spanish region and transport to France for those stranded in America. Then people can ferry it home.

Just hoping for the weather to change myself. This is getting ridiculous. You'd expect the British government to be a little more prepared than what they are.

[MattFr]

Just hoping for the weather to change myself. This is getting ridiculous. You'd expect the British government to be a little more prepared than what they are.

Oh yes, I'm sure all governments have plans for when the airspace is closed due to volcanic ash.

[Stefy09]

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

[Hitman]

Well i've been extensively following everything to do with the eruption the past few days because my girlfriend is stranded in America. Each time her flight gets cancelled, they have to wait a week to try and get on a new one. So at the moment, for me, its fingers crossed for the all clear by this Friday coming.

Obviously there is a risk that even if the test flights are fine, that others planes could be damaged but Germany has sent up 8 planes, along with France sending up planes and now the UK. The UK test flight appeared to be fine but now they're doing testing to analyse the damage (if any) that was done to the plane but all is looking good so far. Personally i think they're being a little too over cautious myself. I believe they should at least provide flights to the spanish region and transport to France for those stranded in America. Then people can ferry it home.

Just hoping for the weather to change myself. This is getting ridiculous. You'd expect the British government to be a little more prepared than what they are.

To be fair to the Government they can't do much. It's not like they can get a massive fan and flow the ash away... and they wouldn't have been expecting it. What else can they do?

[Nixt]

They could and probably do have some contingencies for an extended closure of UK airspace, for whatever reason .

[Tintinnabulate]

Thing is, if tests flights don't crash, it doesn't mean its safe for all planes. When the last plane crashed due to ash, it was 1 plane, not all. And 1 plane crashing is bad.

[Sam]

Oh yes, I'm sure all governments have plans for when the airspace is closed due to volcanic ash.

Not necessarily volcanic ash but they should have some form of plan on what to do concerning transport in event of a natural disaster. It's like they're thinking up what to do as they go along

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

lol i wasn't sure if i should comment on this as *Removed*. Didn't demand it. It's a suggestion. They seem to be focusing mainly on transport for people stuck in the European region. But barely anything is being done for those stuck abroad in places such as America. Don't reply if you're going to act like *Removed*

Edited by Catzsy (Forum Super Moderator): Please do not be rude to others.

[Tintinnabulate]

Not necessarily volcanic ash but they should have some form of plan on what to do concerning transport in event of a natural disaster. It's like they're thinking up what to do as they go along



lol i wasn't sure if i should comment on this as you clearly have the mentality of a two year old. Didn't demand it. It's a suggestion. They seem to be focusing mainly on transport for people stuck in the European region. But barely anything is being done for those stuck abroad in places such as America. Don't reply if you're going to act like you have some form of mental disorder :L

Most, actually probably no government plans for volcanic ash to cloud their airspace ...
They have plans for earthquakes etc but this is a very very very rare thing. Not only that, its very unpredictable as it depends on wind direction and the volcano itself.

[Sam]

It's also pretty annoying how we've had bad, unpredictable weather for ages. Now all of a sudden it's sunny, theres barely any wind and everything's calm :L

EDIT: There is one thing i don't get. They said one of the test flights was carried out at 8,000ft which is below the ash so it cannot be valid. I don't know much about flying myself, but why dont they just operate the flights at 8,000 ft?

My two cents.