Volcano stops flights

[viking9]

Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Monday April 19, 2200

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 0900 (local time). 

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.

[Jay911]

I didn't even think of this aspect of things. Over my chunk of Canada, I normally see tons and tons and tons of transoceanic aircraft, despite the fact I'm very firmly landlocked in the middle of the country.

From 0000 to 2359Z on 4/19, there were only four non-North American aircraft registered on my log:

EVA698, B-16483, a B744 doing an EVA Cargo run.
KAL239/240, HL7608, a B744 doing a pair of Korean Air Cargo trips.
AFL321, VP-BAX, an Aeroflot B763.
And VP-CNI, not providing any details at all.

[tarbat]

EZE50U, the service from EGPC to EGPD is in the air.  First flight up here for days.

And the Air Ambulance (G-SASB) is flying again.

[Roland28]

Formation of 3 KLM Boeing 747-400s heading up the English Channel.

[flanker]

There are many flights over France and the Netherlands this morning and as you say Roland28, there are many flights 'skirting' UK airspace over the channel obviously without problems. NATS are obviously heavily reliant on the Met office and what they are telling them BUT I don't think the Met Office's ability to track the danger is nearly accurate enough and although talking from a laymen's point of view, I don't think a 'blanket shutdown' of UK airspace has probably been necassary all this time.

[tarbat]

Looks like Loganair (Flybe) are taking the opportunity to fly some routes.  G-LGNB, G-LGNC, G-LGNI (EGPE-EGPO), G-LGNL (EGPA-EGPD) and G-LGNN (EGPH-EGPO) currently en-route, all below FL150.

All Saab 340B aircraft.

[tarbat]

VIK477P now flying south from Glasgow.  I guess he will be high enough to go above the volcanic ash over England.  Positioning flight?

[smcm]

Loganair/Flybe flight LOG64DR (G-LGNL) left Kirkwall (EGPA) for Aberdeen (EGPD) at 0800h local - last tracked at 12000 ft.

Inter-island Loganair service also up and running with Islander G-BPCA much to relief of the islanders on North Ronaldsay.

[knight01]

Got a KLM flying over London

[Canonjohns40D]

Lufthansa  DLH455 crossed NI Airspace at fl390 just passed IOM now SW bound. No local flights and i understood UK Airspace was closed from Blackpoolish South?

Has traffic been cleared to crooss UK Airspace but not land?

John

[tarbat]

Has traffic been cleared to crooss UK Airspace but not land?

Above FL350 is okay I think.

[Canonjohns40D]

Cheers Tarbat made a nice sight seeing the trails again. Box is getting busy three aircraft on mine now!!

John

[bratters]

PLANES!!!!!!!!!!

[g0seg]

DLH455 and 457 overflying Yorks confirmed at 0900 - FL 37-39000

[bratters]

My log shows 1x A320; 1x 733; 3x 744 and 1x MD11.

We live in hope.