Loganair cancels Sunday flights

LOGANAIR has now cancelled all of its flights for Sunday, the airline announced this afternoon (Saturday).

The company’s commercial director Jonathan Hinkles said: “Loganair regrets to advise passengers that all flights for Sunday, 18 April have now been cancelled.

“This follows updated information from NATS and the Met Office, which indicates no improvement in the volcanic ash situation across Scottish airspace.

“In order to assist customers with re-arranging their travel plans, we have further extended the period in which they can re-book their flights without charge from 14 to 21 days.

“We have also drafted in additional team members to help with Air Discount Scheme (ADS) customer re-bookings and the telephone number at our Islay office – 01496 302 022 – will now be manned until 6pm today and from 11am until 6.30pm tomorrow.

“No decision has yet been taken in relation to flights planned to operate on Monday, 19 April. This will be reviewed on Sunday on the basis of updated forecasts. Flight operations will only be resumed once it is safe to do so.”

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In a statement, the National Air Traffic Service said this afternoon: “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) today, 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) today, 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.”