sábado, 17 de abril de 2010

Flights stay on ground at airport


The cloud of volcanic ash in the skies over much of Britain has caused a third day of disruption to air travel.
The air traffic control service has confirmed restrictions on flights in and out of the UK have been extended until at least 0100 BST on Sunday.
At East Midlands Airport, Thompson and BMI flights are suspended until Sunday at the earliest with Ryanair grounded until at least 1300 BST on Monday.
All passengers are advised to contact there airlines for information.
Steve Hawson, from Hucknall in Nottinghamshire, was due to get married this weekend but his fiancee Elsie is stuck in Mauritius.
Europe-wide problems
He said: "It was something we were both really looking forward to and for it not to happen now - and particularly for the reason why - it feels so cruel.
"I am very concerned because she has a marriage visa that expires on 15 May and ideally we have to get married a month before that expires so she has time to contact the UK Border Agency".
However, Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance and the Don Air East Midlands Flying Club - which are based at East Midlands Airport - is operating.
Flight Training Manager Jill Neilson explained: "The aircraft we fly operate under 3,000ft and the volcanic ash which is affecting commercial traffic is at 18,000ft and above".
It is hoped some domestic flights may be able to take off from Scotland and Northern Ireland, if the Icelandic ash cloud moves but conditions in the rest of the UK may actually get worse.
Flights have also been cancelled in countries stretching from France to Russia - and as far south as Romania.
BBC News