The Big Volcanic Ash from Iceland Thread

Some spectacular views of the eruption, particularly the night-time lightening.

Impressive.. As a qualified geologist - this is like Porn ):

Ryanair has cancelled all their flights in the region until 1.00pm Wednesday.

MOL will be quite happy to let someone else test their engines against the ash.

It's not as if he cares about his customers

[Darren Wheeler]

While there is a trade-off between economics and safety, airlines won't put economic in front of safety unless there is a clear risk. After all, having planes crash is a lot more damaging than being grounded for a few days.

Some spectacular views of the eruption, particularly the night-time lightening.

Impressive.. As a qualified geologist - this is like Porn ):

Err...you are using both hands to type, aren't you...

[Bazz]

Willie Walsh was reported to be on the BA 747 that is conducting the test flight out of LHR.

A further piece of info on who pays for what, Sky News has quoted Lord Adonis as saying "Stranded passengers with return tickets on EU airlines have rights of assistance, including food and accommodation, and should contact their airlines directly."

Willie Walsh was reported to be on the BA 747 that is conducting the test flight out of LHR.

A further piece of info on who pays for what, Sky News has quoted Lord Adonis as saying "Stranded passengers with return tickets on EU airlines have rights of assistance, including food and accommodation, and should contact their airlines directly."

If you can get through - 90 minutes and still waiting so far?

[Nottingham Nick]

Bit late but - this very good thread on FT tracked the BA plane, and has follow up posts with other 'ash-busting' flights from AF and other airlines.

Nick

Willie Walsh was reported to be on the BA 747 that is conducting the test flight out of LHR.

Hmmm nice that WW was so brave ! only flew AFTER his counterpart at KLM did it!

Am I being mean or were there a few BA staff hoping for the worst ....

Looks like Wee Willies plane is still in the air and heading back to Cardiff.

http://www.flightradar24.com/

This'll just be more evidence that the current ban is unjustified and the risk is not as high as previously thought.

Tomorrow could be an interesting day.

Miopyk 8D

Tomorrow could be an interesting day.

They'll have to get busy with the borescopes first.

This'll just be more evidence that the current ban is unjustified and the risk is not as high as previously thought.

Maybe, but I've seen the air crash investigation with the BA flight, wouldn't get me flying through the stuff :0

its ok , but there only need to be one scare ,for the stop to be bigger

anyway gordon brown prob ordered that they get everyone back at everyone who is stranded counts as 25% of his vote

7pm Monday now!

Apprarently the Tories want the Govt and airlines to hire cruise ships.

Shame huge chunks of Europe are miles and miles and miles from the sea, let alone an accessible sea port

Seems some SAS flights are going to operate overnight.

Apprarently the Tories want the Govt and airlines to hire cruise ships.

Almost 200 million pax flights per year.
Say 500,000 a day.
Now 2,000,000 pax out of position.

If (thats a big If!) pax would accept the same conditions as war-time troop ships.....they could maybe get 20,000 on a ship....more likely only 4,000...then 125 cruise ships would take 4 weeks. And that's from just 4 days disruption.

Sounds like a Political solution!

...and just to rub it in, every other advert on sky news seems to be an airline ad!

Oh well, at least I got flying this weekend. The general aviation community has been quite active I believe - including getting clearances to fly right through Stansted and the like!

Just out of interest, regardless if what virgin's policy is, what is the eu policy on being stranded, ie board and lodgings? Lord Adonis seems to think they are liable in some way?

[Pete]

Just out of interest, regardless if what virgin's policy is, what is the eu policy on being stranded, ie board and lodgings? Lord Adonis seems to think they are liable in some way?

This seems like a grey area.

What we know that they have to offer re-booking or refunds, regardless of fare code.

We know that they don't need to pay the EU compensation payments in addition to refunds, as this is extreme conditions outside of their control.

The board and lodgings issue is one I'd love to get a definitive answer on. As I understand it some passengers are being offered reimbursement of up to $100 per night for hotels and further expenses for food - however I've only heard this being offer to Upper Class passengers, and it would be interesting to know whether it's across the board for UC, or indeed any other passengers have been offered it? Any V-Flyers with personal experience, please share it here

Sorry if this has already been mentioned however A.net is coming up with some fantastic pictures of planes parked up. A lot as, Gliderboy, points out are taken by GA enthusiasts above the likes of LTN and STN. There is however a great pic of G-VHOT parked alongside an AF 744 at SFO!

There is however a great pic of G-VHOT parked alongside an AF 744 at SFO!

Link to that photo

"British Airways says test flight had no difficulties"

That is superb, there must also presumably be the KLM and BA planes sitting there somewhere...