Airport Operators Association Media Release
For immediate release - 21 April 2010
AOA STATEMENT ON REOPENING OF UK AIRPORTS
- UK airports are open and ready for flights
- Airports’ priority is making sure our passengers get on their way safely
- Flight schedules are still disrupted and passengers must check with airlines before travelling to the airport
Following the reopening of UK airspace at 2200 UK time last night, UK airports are open and ready for flights.
Some facts:
- Gatwick Airport repatriated 4,000 passengers by 0300 today and expects a further 80,000 in the next few hours;
- Manchester Airport operated 10 departures overnight and expects more today;
- Luton airport saw 15 arrivals and 22 departures by midday;
- Newcastle, Liverpool, Bristol and other regional airports are restoring their flight programmes;
- Highlands and Islands Airports are open to provide life-line services in Scotland.
AOA Chairman Ed Anderson said “Yesterday UK airports called for the ongoing closure of UK airspace to be reassessed. We welcome the CAA’s actions last night to reopen UK airspace. Our priority now is to make sure that our passengers get on their way safely and with as little additional disruption as possible.”
“Staff at airports will now be working around the clock to help restore the situation to normal as soon as possible. The situation continues to be dynamic and I strongly urge passengers to contact their airlines before travelling to an airport.
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Notes to Editors:
- The Airport Operators Association (AOA) is the trade association that represents the interests of British airports. Our membership comprises 72 airport companies, representing all of the nation's international hub and major regional airports in addition to many serving community, business and general aviation.
- For further information, and for media requests, please contact David Bishop (Head of Policy) – 07917 681940; or Ed Anderson (Chairman) - 07711 837717 on national issues, and individual airports for specific information.