Article

2010-04-15 Britain

Volcanic ash grounds Heathrow, Gatwick flights in Britain

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Posted by phil_b 2010-04-15 03:59|| || Front Page|| [3 views ] Top

#1 This is a major malfunction for world air traffic. Think about it. Every commercial plane in the UK (and Belgium/Holland now) are grounded. All traffic inbound to LHR (busiest airport in the world) is stuck at origin tying up parking spots. Air crew are in wrong locations for next trips worldwide. Cost to the airlines is astronomical. This affects not just commercial but greytails as well - no flighs to Mildenhall/etc.

Understand cloud drifting into France vic midnight Z and on into Germany - which will then affect traffic thru Frankfurt/Ramstein/etc. More flights stacking up on the ground. And not just in the US/Africa but also in Asia. Idling airiline workers worldwide will wreak havoc with profitability.

Now expand this. What if this lasts a week. No flights in/out of the UK (only let's say for argument's sake) for a week. What effect on the economy? Other than driving up stock in the Chunnel and P&O. Expand again geographicly - carry on effect on EU and other trading partners?

Once again - expand timeline - what if this occurs constantly or intermittently for 6 months? Damage to world economy would be significant. Also raises interesting questions regarding air defense. Presume missles could fly thru ash cloud but fighters/bombers/recon planes can't (or they get engine's glazed). Lends the advantage to the offence in that environment.

Posted by Flailet White6069 2010-04-15 12:36|| 2010-04-15 12:36|| Front Page Top

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