News

Carriers scramble to resume UK flights

21 Apr 2010 by BusinessTraveller

Flights in and out of the UK are gradually resuming after restrictions caused by the volcanic ash were lifted last night. BA says it is looking to operate all long-haul flights from Heathrow and Gatwick today, but there will be short-haul cancellations.

A statement on the carrier's website (updated at 0640 today) says:

"We are very pleased that the aviation authorities have opened UK airspace to enable us to begin bringing our stranded customers home, as well as working towards normal operations.

"As we have many aircraft and crew out of position, it will still take some time to return to our full flying programme. We are working hard to see how many flights we can operate to help our customers.

"At this stage we are looking to operate all longhaul flights departing from Heathrow and Gatwick on Wednesday April 21.

"There will be shorthaul cancellations to and from London airports until 1300 (UK time) on Wednesday 21 April.

"We hope to have further updates soon."

Easyjet says it has restarted "some services across the UK and Continental Europe today", but warns that "due to the extent of the disruption, it will take several days to resume normal operations and delays are likely".

Bmi said it planned a "phased reintroduction of its international and domestic flights to and from London Heathrow" from 0900 today, while Virgin said last night that it aimed to operate "a number of flights to and from its UK and international airports over the next 24 hours onwards, with the aim of resuming its full flight schedule as soon as possible".

Business Traveller will update this article with more information as it becomes available.

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