Latest updates - Ash cloud from Iceland volcano causes severe flight disruptions across Europe April 15-16.

Dear Swire Travel Corporate Client,

Please be informed that the ash cloud from a volcanic eruption in Iceland has drifted into large portions of northern European airspace, worsening already severe flight disruptions throughout Europe and beyond. The latest countries being affected include Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden and United Kingdom.

Several countries and cities have suspended air traffic over their territory altogether, and it is likely that airport closures will continue in some areas through April 16 and possibly longer.

The following locations have announced air traffic restrictions (emergency flights could be permitted to take off and land):

  • United Kingdom: Airspace closed (including all four London-area airports) until at least 1200 April 16. Some exceptions are possible in the southernmost part of the country.
  • Ireland: Airspace highly restricted through at least 0500 April 16
  • Norway: Airspace closed indefinitely April 15
  • Sweden: Airspace closed indefinitely at 2200 April 15
  • Denmark: Airspace closed indefinitely at 1700 April 15
  • Finland: Airspace highly restricted indefinitely April 15; Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) closed 0001-1500 April 16
  • Netherlands: Airspace closed indefinitely at 2100 April 15
  • Belgium: Airspace closed indefinitely at 1630 April 15
  • Germany: Hamburg (HAM), Hannover (HAJ) Bremen (BRE), Berlin-Schoenefeld (SXF), Berlin-Tegel (TXL) airports closed through at least 0800 April 16; Frankfurt and Munich airports unaffected as of 0001 April 16, but subject to possible closure April 16.
  • France: Paris' Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG), Paris-Orly (ORY), and about two-dozen other airports closed 2100 April 15-0800 April 16; all Air France (AF) flights in and out of Paris canceled until 1200 April 16.
  • Poland: Northern airspace closed at 2000 April 15; restrictions likely to be extended to central Poland April 16

In addition, most airlines have cancelled many flights to the region and the suspensions could continue after officials lift airspace restrictions. Airports in northwestern Russia and the Baltics could close on short notice. Depending on weather patterns, additional countries could unexpectedly restrict airspace use.

Swire Travel would like to advise all our clients are currently in these affected countries or will be travelling to or from these affected areas to contact airlines for updated flight information prior to leaving for the airport. Expect severe travel disruptions to and from many of the destinations listed above through April 16. Book hotel rooms immediately if stranded in these locations. Use alternate transport, such as ferries and high-speed trains, which connect the UK with mainland Europe. Make these travel arrangements quickly due to soaring demand.

Should you require any clarification or require further information regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to call your designated travel consultant.

We would be grateful if you could disseminate the above information to all your colleagues.

Thank you very much for your kind attention and your esteemed patronage.

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