VOLCANIC ASH CONTINUES TO DISRUPT UK AIR TRAFFIC

AIRLINE passengers continue to face massive disruptions across Europe after an ash cloud from a volcanic eruption in Iceland grounded flights since yesterday, April 15.

Flights to, from or connecting through British airports, including London’s Heathrow (LHR), were delayed or cancelled due to the volcanic activity in Iceland (see below for SA-affected flights).

Media reports state that the cloud of ash has affected airports in Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Ireland. There was also major disruption in Belgium, France, Finland, Germany and The Netherlands.

Further disruption is likely as a second eruption has occurred closer to Finland and Russia. The volcano is said to be still erupting and forecasters believe the cloud could take a number of days to disperse.

“It is very variable how long these eruptions last. Anywhere from a few days to over a year,” Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, a professor of geophysics and civil protection adviser in Iceland, told the AFP news agency. “Judging from the intensity of this one, it could last a long time,” he added.

The movement of the plume, which has been drifting eastwards, is being monitored by Met Office, NATS, Eurocontrol and neighbouring countries.

British Airways spokesperson, Stephen Forbes, affirmed that flights scheduled to leave Heathrow on Thursday (April 15) night had been cancelled. As a result, the outbound flight, scheduled to depart South Africa tonight, has also been cancelled as there are no aircraft to transport passengers to the UK.

South African Airways cancelled its flights to and from London scheduled for departure on April 15. The following SAA flights scheduled to have departed today have been cancelled:
SA234 Johannesburg to London
SA235 London to Johannesburg
SA220 Cape Town to London
SA221 London to Cape Town

All other SAA’s international flights other than London are currently operating as normal.

Meanwhile Virgin Atlantic advises its flights have been cancelled:
VS601 15 Apr London Heathrow/Johannesburg
VS602 16 Apr Johannesburg/London Heathrow

"We are asking agents to advise their passengers travelling on any of these flights not to travel to the airport but rather check the website for updates and advise on what options are available (www.virginatlantic.com)," says marketing manager Caren Parkinson.

Lufthansa spokesperson, Karin Duncker, affirms the airports of Amsterdam and Brussels are also closed as they have reached capacity as a result of diverted aircraft landing at these airports. "For this reason Lufthansa has cancelled all flights to and from Brussels and Amsterdam. Delays and increased flight cancellations of Lufthansa aircraft to the affected areas have occurred. Passengers are currently being rerouted without charge or if preferred are receiving a full refund.

"Volcanic ash represents a significant safety threat to aircraft. The ash, which consists of pulverised rock and glass created by the eruptions, can damage the engines, causing them to shut down if an aircraft flies through the plume. Ash can also be sucked into the cabin itself, contaminating the passengers' environment as well as damaging the plane's electronic systems.