London Airspace Closed Until 7 P.m.

[ChillDoubt]

Another Sky News alert I'm afraid, problems with computer at Swanwick.
Just thought I'd let ABers know in case they are travelling or expecting to meet someone at London's Airports.

[Zacs-Master]

For those who want to see latest alerts:
https://twitter.com/HeathrowAirport

[ChillDoubt]

May also be of assistance to some:

http://www.flightradar24.com/54.22,11.07/6

[Zacs-Master]

Chill, the official line is that flights are being delayed. Surely if the airspace is closed it will be much more sever than that?

[ChillDoubt]

One would reason so Zacs. Supposedly the 7 p.m. time given is a guesstimate as to the earliest time, could be longer.
The last thing travellers needed with this weather bomb coming too, it's like something out of Die Hard 2!

[ChillDoubt]

There's obviously a lot of stacking going on, probably won't be long before they will have to start diverting.

[Zacs-Master]

Just watched a couple land on Flightradar. So 'closed' must be a flexible term.

[Zacs-Master]

Disruption to ALL flights likely, according to BBC travel news.

[ChillDoubt]

Yes Zacs, Sky News reporting that planes are landing but nothing is departing.
City Airport closed, quite a bit of stacking at Gatwick too.

[jno]

presumably they have to let planes land rather than run out of fuel and drop on Windsor?

How big is London, in terms of airspace? Does it extend to London Southend and London Oxford?

[Zacs-Master]

Well, I suppose all the parking spots will get full up pretty quick. Jeez, I'm glad I'm not a couple of hours out!

[Zacs-Master]

jno, apparently Southampton, Manchester, Liverpool and a few others are affected as well as all London airports.

[ChillDoubt]

Oxford reporting delays.

[jno]

yow, that doesn't leave a lot of scope for diversions.

[237SJ]

The departing aircraft have been pushed aside to let the incoming passengers get off so there will be a lot of unhappy people about.

[ChillDoubt]

Edinburgh southbound flights affected.
This is going to be a logistical nightmare, I hope the promised weather isn't as severe as was forecast, nothing like what was predicted here so far.

[ChillDoubt]

Southampton affected according to BBC.
There will apparently be no compensation for such an event but there will be a 'duty of care'. Small comfort.

[Zacs-Master]

I wonder whether this ruling stands in such a situation:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/aviation/11201296/Flight-delay-compensation-open-to-millions-of-passengers.html

[ChillDoubt]

I'd be surprised if it did Zacs, this is something the airline companies have zero control or input over.
Info in my last post was given by the BBC Travel correspondent.

[237SJ]

Probably not as it's not the fault of the airline

[ChillDoubt]

Sky News pictures just showed something taking off from Gatwick!