German ATC walkout : 06:00 to 12:00 CET - 09/08/2011

Well if it isn't one set of people striking, it's another.

This time it's German Air Traffic Control going out on strike, for 6 hours.

The ATC provider - Deutsche Flugsicherung - managed to get an injunction to prevent last weeks strike, but it seems they can't stop this strike going through.

The ATC union GDF plans to strike between 06:00 and 12:00 local time.

Of course, the strike is over pay - or a rise of 6.5% all DFS employees - not just ATC, whilst maintaining existing agreements.

Expect travel chaos if you're flying into (or out) Germany tomorrow, or if flying over the country.

Update from NATS: All systems go!

Whilst there are some provisos such as new ash, NATS and the CAA have reopened UK airports and airspace.

This is not over by a long stretch, but it means life can begin returning to some sense of normality, as will this blog over the next few days.

We are delighted to report that most restrictions on UK airspace began to be lifted at 2134 (local time) this evening, following new guidance from the UK’s safety regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority on restrictions to UK airspace as a result of the volcanic eruption.

Air traffic control services have resumed in the UK with the exception of an area over the north west of Scotland which continues to be affected by a dense concentration of volcanic ash. Based on current information this situation is not expected to change overnight. The situation continues to be dynamic as a result of changing weather conditions and the prediction of dense areas of volcanic ash. NATS will continue to monitor the latest Met Office and VAAC information and the CAA’s updates on the availability of UK airspace.

This brings to an end a period of disruption and uncertainty for air passengers. Our operation is fully staffed and already responding to the backlog of flights entering UK airspace. We will be working with the airlines and airports to resume normal operations as soon as possible.

Due to the scale of the disruption, it will take some time for flights to resume normal operations and passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest information about flights.

There are no further operational changes expected overnight and on this basis our next update will be at 0900 (local time) on 21 April.

www.nats.co.uk

*** BREAKING *** NATS Update - Flights Restrictions slowly easing.

Yup. It's varible, so here are the key points

• ABZ, INV, EDI to be avalible to 01:00
• NCL, DTV too.
• Flying above the ash-cloud at 20,000ft will be permitted from 19:00 to 01:00 too.

 It's progress, but the volcano is still singing...

The situation regarding the volcanic eruption in Iceland remains dynamic and the latest information from the Met Office shows that the situation will continue to be variable.

Based on the latest Met Office information, part of Scottish and Northern Irish airspace including Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh airports will continue to be available from 1900 today to 0100 tomorrow, Wednesday 21 April, and also south to Newcastle Airport. Glasgow and Teesside airports will additionally become available in this time period. Restrictions will remain in place over the rest of UK airspace below 20,000ft.

Flights above the ash cloud are now permitted in the UK; between 1900 today and 0100 tomorrow, this will enable aircraft movements above 20,000ft in UK airspace.

We will continue to monitor Met Office information and the situation is likely to change during the course of the day. We will make a further statement at approximately 2100 today.

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.

www.nats.co.uk

NATS Update: Mixed blessings

Time for the latest NATS update whist I'm stuck on a bus.

The good news is that Scottish airspace will be open this afternoon (13:00) whilst a decision on traffic over 20000ft will be made so that international traffic above the UK can recommence.

Today could be interesting. I'll be updating on the 15:00 announcement when it comes.

NATS Announcement below:

The situation regarding the volcanic eruption in Iceland remains dynamic and the latest information from the Met Office shows that the situation today will continue to be variable.


Based on the latest Met Office information, part of Scottish airspace including Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh airports will continue to be available from 1300-1900 today, and also south to Newcastle Airport. Restrictions will remain in place over the rest of UK airspace below 20,000ft.


Overnight the CAA, in line with new guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) decided flights above the ash cloud will be permitted in the UK; between 1300-1900 this will enable aircraft movements above 20,000ft in UK airspace.


We will continue to monitor Met Office information and the situation is likely to change during the course of the day. We will make a further statement at approximately 1500.


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.

www.nats.co.uk

NATS Update: More ash on the way...

It seems the oh so brief period of the ash abating is coming to an end, and the danger of variability is back.

NATS seem to be opening more airspace (though not as far as LHR/LGW/LCY), but with the additional ash, personally, I'd expect to be looking at closing the airspace again sooner rather than later.

The joy of mother nature. I just wish the news improved.

NATS statement below at 02:45.

Since our last statement at 2100 yesterday, 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 variable. The 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 during the course of the day.  We will make a further statement at approximately 0900 (local time), today, Tuesday 20 April. 

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.

www.nats.co.uk

NATS Update 19/4, 21:45 - Ok - this is complex. ish.

It seems the volcano has decided to spit more ash out, causing most of tommrows plans to be thrown into dissary.

Whilst some flying may be possible, they could be equally grounding flights just as fast.

As usual - contact your airline or airport in regards to what action you need to take.

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 0700.  

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 currently awaiting CAA guidance.
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.

www.nats.co.uk

NATS Update annocument: PARTIAL UK AIRSPACE OPEN FROM 07:00BST 20/04!!!!

Good news from NATS - UK Airspace is being opened from 07:00 between:

• Scotland
• Durham Teeside
• Blackpool 
• Possible restrictions over LHR may lift later tomorrow

A light at the end of the tunnel? Maybe...

The volcanic eruption has reduced and the volcano is not currently emitting ash to altitudes that will affect the UK. Assuming there are no further significant ash emissions we are now looking at a continuously improving situation.

Based on the latest information from the Met Office, NATS advises that the restrictions currently in place across UK controlled airspace will remain in place until 0700 (local time) tomorrow, Tuesday.

From 0700 (local time) tomorrow, Tuesday, Scottish airspace will be open, and south to a line between Teeside and Blackpool. Mainland Scottish airports will be open.

This is a dynamic and changing situation and is therefore difficult to forecast beyond 0700 local; however, the latest Met Office advice is that the contaminated area will continue to move south with the possibility that restrictions to airspace above England and Wales, including the London area, may be lifted later tomorrow (Tuesday).

We will continue to monitor Met Office information and review our arrangements in line with that. We will advise further arrangements at approximately 2100 (local time), today.
It is now for airports and airlines to decide how best to utilise this opportunity.

Passengers should contact their airlines to find out how this will affect their travel plans.

www.nats.co.uk

To kibosh or not (ATL or Bust)?

To kibosh or not? That s the question.

This coming Friday, allegedly I'm booked to do my Atlanta run, heading off to FRA, then onto ORD and ATL.

Alas, this little annoying volcano thing is in the way.

At the moment, I'm watching this very carefully as this progresses. However, here are the ugly results:

• Lufthansa has already opened up rebooking until the end of May
• The hotel on ebookers is non-refundable alas.
• United are holding out on re-bookings at the moment for my departure date  (allowed through to the 22nd)
• The hotel in Atlanta is refundable at least.
• No money spent on train tickets that hasn't been assigned already.

At the worst, I'll be £40 out of pocket, but its going to take major re-scheduling... or this volcano to calm down in the next few days...

But where does this leave the run? Creek. No Paddle.

To Kibosh the run or not ... the ATL run could be bust sooner than I can imagine....

Thoughts and comments welcome!

Yup: You guessed it. UK Airspace closed until 20/04 01:00BST

Well it never rains, but it pours.

UK Airspace closed until 20/04 at 01:00BST. And surprise.. the political parties are now starting to have a go on this.

More later... including one of mileage run plights...

Based on the latest information from the Met Office, NATS advises that the current restrictions across UK controlled airspace due to the volcanic ash cloud will remain in place until at least 0100 (local) on Tuesday 20th April.

Anyone hoping to travel should contact their airline before travelling to the airport.
Conditions around the movement of the layers of the volcanic ash cloud over the UK remain dynamic. 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 currently awaiting CAA guidance.

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.

*** BREAKING *** NATS continue to close UK Airspace until 20/01 19:00BST

You couldn't had guessed this at all.

NATS have continued to close UK Airspace until 19:00BST on the 20/01.

More tomorrow morning when I get to the office.

Based on the latest information from the Met Office, NATS advises that the current restrictions across UK controlled airspace due to the volcanic ash cloud will remain in place until at least 1900 (local) on Monday 19 April.
Anyone hoping to travel should contact their airline before travelling to the airport.

Conditions around the movement of the layers of the volcanic ash cloud over the UK remain dynamic. 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 currently awaiting CAA guidance.

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.

The next update will be issued at approximately 0900 (local).

www.nats.co.uk

Test flights galore - but planes are still grounded...

Some test flights have been carried out by Austrian, British Airways, KLM  and Lufthansa to see if the cloud is damaging, with encouraging results, however these tests have been done through gaps which aren't that sensitive to discovery with aircraft instruments.

As a result, there are calls to reassess the flight-ban to be lifted (with the ban still in place until 19:00BST 19/04), however Ministers have decided to keep the airspace closed.

Capacity is stretched to the limits, with Eurostar and the ferries maxed out.  

For those who are stuck, remember to contact your local consulate, or the FCO Helpline at 020 7008 0000

Breaking : NATS airspace ban extened until Monday 07:00

It never rains... It just enjoys pouring.

Some more restrictions are clearing, but this isn't looking good.

NATS statement below:

The volcanic ash cloud from Iceland is moving around and changing shape. Based on the latest information from the Met Office, NATS advises that the restrictions currently in place across UK controlled airspace will remain in place until at least 0700 (UK time) tomorrow, Sunday 18 April.


There may be some airspace available within Scotland, Northern Ireland and England north of Leeds up till 1900 (UK time), which may enable some domestic flights to operate under individual coordination with ATC. We will be coordinating this closely with airlines and airports. We would repeat, it is most unlikely that many flights will operate today and anyone hoping to travel should contact their airline before travelling to the airport. After 1900 (UK time), Met Office forecasts show the ash cloud progressively covering the whole of the UK.


We will continue to monitor Met Office information and review our arrangements in line with that. We will advise further arrangements at approximately 2100 (UK time), today.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone - apologies for the spelling!

NATS update: More Chaos until Monday - and probably beyond.

It seems that things are going from bad to worse, as NATS continue to close UK Airspace, with only limited flights to the Orkneys and Shetlands.

Why do I have a feeling this is going to run and run?
 

The volcanic ash cloud from Iceland is currently spread across the UK.  Based on the latest information from the Met Office, NATS advises that the restrictions currently in place across UK controlled airspace will remain in place until at least 0100 (local time) tomorrow, Monday 19 April.
There may be limited opportunity in Orkney and Shetland from 1900 (local time) today for some flights to operate under individual coordination with ATC.  However, it is most unlikely that many flights will operate today and anyone hoping to travel should contact their airline before travelling to the airport. 
We will continue to monitor Met Office information and review our arrangements in line with that.   We will advise further arrangements at approximately 1500 (local time), today.  

www.nats.co.uk

Latest NATS update: Stay at home, UK Airspace closed totally until 19:00

NATS has updated its advice and UK airspace is closed now until 19:00 today. This is going to take days to clear.

Even Qantas is saying expect a week for this to clear.

Fun ahead...

The volcanic ash cloud from Iceland shows continued and extensive cover of the UK. Based on the latest information from the Met Office, NATS advises that the restrictions currently in place across UK controlled airspace will remain in place until at least 1900 (UK time) today, Sunday April 18.

We will continue to monitor Met Office information and will advise on further arrangements at approximately 0900 (UK time) later this morning.

Breaking - uk airspace closed until 07:00 18/4

You've guessed it -ATC has dragged out the cancellations until 18/4 07:00

More analysis later

The volcanic ash cloud from Iceland is moving around and changing shape. Based on the latest information from the Met Office, NATS advises that the restrictions currently in place across UK controlled airspace will remain in place until at least 0700 (UK time) tomorrow, Sunday 18 April.


There may be some airspace available within Scotland, Northern Ireland and England north of Leeds up till 1900 (UK time), which may enable some domestic flights to operate under individual coordination with ATC. We will be coordinating this closely with airlines and airports. We would repeat, it is most unlikely that many flights will operate today and anyone hoping to travel should contact their airline before travelling to the airport. After 1900 (UK time), Met Office forecasts show the ash cloud progressively covering the whole of the UK.


We will continue to monitor Met Office information and review our arrangements in line with that. We will advise further arrangements at approximately 2100 (UK time), today.

UK Flights Updates: NATS suspended traffic until 01:00 18/4,

NATS has suspended traffic again until 01:00BST on the 18/4.

EuroControl is expecting disruption to continue for the next 24 hours.

NATS should make an announcement at 15:00, with our update at  15:15.


The joy of volcanic ash. But why is it such a killer? More on that later....

Latest NATS update: More of the same, however you're going to have to read this time

Condensed version 
- UK Airspace still restricted to 13:00BST 17/4
- Airspace restrictions lifted in Certain parts, but may be locked down at any time
- All flights in these zones on a case-by-case basis.
- Ash may return by 10:00BST, forcing restrictions to be reintroduced.

Fun eh?

Full NATS announcement:

The volcanic ash cloud continues to affect UK airspace. Following the latest update from the Met Office, NATS advises that the restrictions currently in place across UK controlled airspace will remain in place until at least 1300 (UK time) on Saturday April 17.

 There are currently no airspace restrictions in Scotland, Northern Ireland and in an area over the North Sea that includes the Shetlands and Orkney Isles. Manchester, Liverpool and all airports North of those may be available from 0400 (UK time) – 1000 (UK time) for departures to and arrivals from the North and West subject to individual co-ordination. However, please be advised that the situation is continuously changing. Forecasts indicate that the ash cloud is expected to return over Northern England at 1000 (UK time) and it is likely that restrictions will be reintroduced.

Please note these arrangements do not mean that all flights will operate.  Anyone hoping to travel today or tomorrow should contact their airline before going to the airport.

We are looking for opportunities when the ash cloud moves sufficiently for us to enable some flights to operate under individual coordination with ATC.  

We will review further Met Office information and at 0900 (UK time) on Saturday we will advise further arrangements. 

We continue to work closely with airports, airlines, and the rest of Europe to understand and mitigate the implications of the volcanic eruption.

www.nats.co.uk

NATS Update: UK Airspace Closed until at least 07:00, 17/4, Scottish/NI open from 19:00 18/4

NATS extended its restrictions on UK airspace until at least 0700 BST on Saturday. Restrictions will be lifted in parts of Scottish airspace and Northern Ireland from 1900 BST on Friday. North Atlantic Traffic will also be cleared for operation within the open airspaces.

From NATS:

The cloud  of volcanic ash continues to move south through the UK and the eruption in Iceland continues.


Following a review of the latest Met Office information, NATS advises that restrictions preventing flights in controlled airspace over England and Wales will remain in place until 0700 (UK time) tomorrow, Saturday 17 April, at the earliest. From 1900 (UK time) today ATC restrictions will be lifted in a large part of Scottish airspace including Scottish airports, Shetland, Orkneys and also Northern Ireland.


On this basis, North Atlantic traffic can also operate to/from points in this airspace. Please note these arrangements do not mean that all flights will operate. Anyone hoping to travel today or tomorrow should contact their airline before going to the airport.


We are looking for opportunities when the ash cloud moves sufficient for us to enable some flights to operate under individual coordination with ATC. Some aircraft were able to operate at Manchester this morning, although restrictions are now reapplied to Manchester.


We hope there may be some opportunity from the north into Newcastle after 0100 (UK time) tomorrow - Saturday.


We will review further Met Office information and at 2030 (UK time) we will advise further arrangements. In general, the situation is dynamic and subject to change.


We continue to work closely with airports, airlines, and the rest of Europe to understand and mitigate the implications of the volcanic eruption.

Source www.nats.co.uk

So expect further delays and cancellations for now.

** BREAKING ** UK Air Traffic Restrictions to stay in place until Saturday 01:00BST

A quick update from NATS on this fast moving issue with the volcanic ash - and they have posted an alert that UK airspace will be restricted until 01:00BST (00:00 GMT), however some traffic on the North Atlantic Tracks from/to Glasgow, Prestwick and Belfast may operate during this period.

Next update: 14:30 from NATS, expect it to follow from GhettoIFE.com.  In the Lunchtime post, I'll be looking at the impact on other services.

NAT's Statement:

The cloud of volcanic ash continues to cover much of the UK and the eruption in Iceland continues. Following a review of the latest Met Office information, NATS advises that restrictions preventing flights in English controlled airspace will remain in place until 0100 (UK time) tomorrow, Saturday 17 April, at the earliest.

Flights in Northern Ireland and the Western Isles of Scotland to and from Glasgow and Prestwick will continue to be allowed until 1900 (UK time) subject to individual co-ordination.  North Atlantic traffic to and from Glasgow, Prestwick and Belfast may also be allowed in this period.

From 1900 (UK time), forecasts indicate that Scottish airspace may be able to accept domestic flights within Scotland and Northern/Southern Ireland, and North Atlantic flights to/from airports in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

We will review further Met Office information and at 1430 (UK time) we will advise further arrangements.  In general, the situation is dynamic and subject to change. 
We continue to work closely with airports, airlines, and the rest of Europe to understand and mitigate the implications of the volcanic eruption.

www.nats.co.uk

And this is the crux of the problem....

Image - NASA.