Delays to/from/in Europe from Volcani...

Author Message   Danny Hamilton Senior Member Username: Dannyhamilton Post Number: 594 Registered: 03-2004 Posted From: 68.105.203.149 Posted on Sunday, May 30, 2010 - 09:27 pm:    We had no problems flying a more direct route from Sigonella to Norfolk on our return trip back to the States on 26 May. About 41 SPATS on a C-5 from Sig to Norfolk. I believe anyone wishing to catch that flight from Sig got on. Trip report will be posted soon.   E.L.Fink Intermediate Member Username: Yahootie Post Number: 104 Registered: 08-2009 Posted From: 83.39.243.126 Posted on Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 12:19 pm:    An old axiom - the ash in Spain, falls mainly on the planes.   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2613 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 208.81.157.86 Posted on Saturday, May 15, 2010 - 05:03 pm:    Latest AP article: 5/15/10 LONDON (AP) — Volcanic ash from Iceland could disrupt air travel in both Britain and Germany in the next few days, officials said Saturday. The British Department of Transport said there was a risk that parts of British airspace could be closed beginning Sunday and those problems could continue through Tuesday. The predictions are based on the continuing eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokul volcano and current wind and weather conditions. It said different parts of British airspace — including England's southeast, home to Europe's busiest airport at Heathrow as well as Gatwick, Stansted and other top airports — could close at different times through the next few days. In Germany, air traffic control spokesman Axel Raab told The Associated Press that German air travel could face possible disruptions starting Monday but cautioned that indicators were still "very, very vague." Germany will send up a test flight Sunday to measure the ash concentration, German Aerospace Center spokesman Andreas Schuetz said — a measure welcomed by Lufthansa, Germany's largest airline, which last month criticized air traffic authorities for their lack of ash testing. Any decision on German air space closures will be made after examining Sunday's weather forecasts at an emergency meeting with meteorologists, Raab said. In Iceland, civil protection official Agust Gunnar Gylfason said the intensity of the Eyjafjallajokul eruption had not changed but wind conditions had. "The winds in the vicinity of the volcano are not quite as forceful as they have been, so the ash plume is higher closer to the volcano," he said. "The weather patterns are the predominant factor in deciding where the ash goes." The Met Office, Britain's weather forecaster, said Saturday that the wind is expected to change direction Tuesday, which would lower the risk of travel disruptions. Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said five-day forecasts are now being published to give airlines and travelers "the best possible information. However, he said the situation "remains fluid and these forecasts are always liable to change." British airport operator BAA said on its website Saturday that all of its facilities are open, but the ash cloud "continues to cause occasional problems." It said it would have a clearer idea of how the ash could affect southern England over the next 24 hours. Airlines, including Lufthansa and British Airways, have criticized past air space closures as an overreaction by regulators. The controversy over how to handle the flight disruptions led to the resignation of a top Lufthansa executive, news weekly Der Spiegel reported Saturday. Stefanie Stotz, a spokeswoman for Lufthansa, confirmed that chief security pilot Juergen Steinberg is leaving "by mutual agreement" on Aug. 1. He had criticized Lufthansa's leadership for operating flights under visual flight rules while German airspace was still officially closed because of the ash cloud. Steinberg represents some 4,000 pilots and advises Lufthansa's board on security issues. In Rome, Italy's civil aviation agency fined Ryanair some euro3 million ($3.7 million) for failing to help 178 passengers stranded last month when flights were canceled due to the volcanic ash cloud. The ENAC agency said those Ryanair passengers didn't receive mandatory assistance such as food, drink and lodgings during the April 15-22 flight shutdown across much of Europe. Ryanair said the company wasn't aware of any problems.   Bob radar Intermediate Member Username: Bob_radar Post Number: 109 Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 162.58.82.135 Posted on Thursday, May 13, 2010 - 04:53 pm:    Danny H- - - Looks like a north hook over Iceland is working.   Danny Hamilton Senior Member Username: Dannyhamilton Post Number: 593 Registered: 03-2004 Posted From: 88.39.217.57 Posted on Thursday, May 13, 2010 - 01:35 pm:    The Pat Ex flight that was scheduled to leave from NS Norfolk Tuesday, 11 May was delayed until Wednesday, 12 May. All Cat VIs who wanted to go got on.....except one guy who did not respond to the pax service rep's announcement. Plane (767) was nearly full with only some middle seats unoccupied. We flew from NS Norfolk, over Iceland and stopped at Prestwick, Scotland to re-fuel. No pax allowed to leave the plane during the hour of maintenance, then on to NAS Sigonella, Sicily, getting in sometime after midnight (local).   Jessica Member Username: Bjbbstokes Post Number: 11 Registered: 01-2009 Posted From: 80.148.27.187 Posted on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 06:03 pm:    Kathleen, I was there today, it was packed, but they moved quite a bit out today.   PR Senior Member Username: Pretzlaff Post Number: 1665 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 67.190.52.82 Posted on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 03:11 pm:    Hard to 'hook' around this: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2010/may/10/volcanic-ash-cloud-icela nd-flights   Kathleen Hickey New member Username: Katedh Post Number: 1 Registered: 05-2010 Posted From: 84.158.33.198 Posted on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 03:02 pm:    Ramstein seems to be shut down again for the ash -- we were hoping to hop from Germany to Dover/BWI next week but I am getting worried. Anyone up there? Is the terminal packed with people?   Bob radar Intermediate Member Username: Bob_radar Post Number: 105 Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 162.58.82.136 Posted on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 - 04:46 pm:    I dream of some new published air routes that bypass the latest ash cloud. Why not the "Hook North" routes that go around the north side of Iceland for the now cloud which trails SSE. Other "Hook" routes perhaps can be developed to apply for the next likely cloud trails. Perhaps my dream is not practical.   Bob radar Intermediate Member Username: Bob_radar Post Number: 103 Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 75.57.179.217 Posted on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 - 07:33 am:    0315 CDT talked with Pax reps*: *Naples has a flight EPM to Sigonella *CHQ has a flight today to RMS *Sigonella none today *Rota none today *Moron none today; one scheduled tomorrow to east coast USA Perhaps re-evaluation of ash cloud later could change.   Ted_M Advanced Member Username: Ted_m Post Number: 294 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 96.235.67.80 Posted on Monday, May 10, 2010 - 12:11 am:    If you are interested in following the aviation maps of where the volcanic ash cloud(s) are, here is a link to the Volcanic Ash Advisory from London MET office: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/aviation/vaac/vaacuk_vag.html This should bring up a list of the images - usually the top one is the most current. Sincerely, Ted_M   Bob Dart Senior Member Username: Bobdart Post Number: 1512 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 208.114.116.98 Posted on Sunday, May 09, 2010 - 06:40 pm:    John, it's interest reading the attached article as we have just sailed from Bruges, Belgium enroute to Oslo, Norway. The sky has been crystal clear yesterday and todayt, at least to my eye. I can't tell if the cloud is to the east or west of us. We'll dock in Oslo in the early AM and the first thing I'll do is look skyward.   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4440 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 95.208.80.143 Posted on Sunday, May 09, 2010 - 06:25 pm:    Airlines canceled hundreds of flights across Europe and added hours to trans-Atlantic journeys If this keeps up it will be an interesting summer for commercial and Space-A travel.   Vivian E. Patterson New member Username: Epatternc Post Number: 1 Registered: 05-2010 Posted From: 64.200.90.146 Posted on Sunday, May 09, 2010 - 02:05 am:    No flights out to Ramstein or Rota from Charleston Saturday. No numbers for early flight to Ramstein released as of yet. Does anyone know how difficult it is to get out of Rota & back to the states?   Bob Dart Senior Member Username: Bobdart Post Number: 1511 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 208.114.116.98 Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2010 - 07:36 pm:    Thanks for posting this information as I'll be in Copenhagen on Wednesday and after a few days will head down to Ramstein to try for a hop home. Hopefully, the winds will pick up.   dinotars Senior Member Username: Dinotars Post Number: 6669 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 173.169.151.24 Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2010 - 04:57 pm:    http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100508/ap_on_bi_ge/eu_iceland_volcano   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4397 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 195.145.135.149 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 01:25 am:    Just in case anyone has flight plans to/from Ireland on Tuesday morning. The volcanic ash is back (temporarily anyway). Other European overflights not affected. http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0503/ash.html   Jessica Junior Member Username: Bjbbstokes Post Number: 6 Registered: 01-2009 Posted From: 80.148.27.187 Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 08:01 pm:    Flights are moving again out of Charleston to Ramstein. 3 flights out on Friday, the first was mostly cat 3's and a few cat 5's. Second flight all cat3's, 3rd flight was cat3 and 5 and also took 6 cat 6's, more flights Saturday evening and also on Sunday!! We were stuck in Charleston for 9 days so we are very happy to be home!   Ted_M Advanced Member Username: Ted_m Post Number: 292 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 64.147.217.139 Posted on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 06:37 pm:    Kathleen and all - followup on the pronunciation of the Eyjafjallajokull name: Take with grain of salt - we have all seen the newscasters trying to pronounce it - here is a Jeanne Moos spot from CNN that elaborates on it. Listen close, there is an Icelandic translator that was talked to over the phone by ABC, and another Icelander interviewed who pronounce it correctly (is there any other way?). There is also a US Military pronunciation included as well. http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/offbeat/2010/04/20/moos.volcano.name.cnn?hpt=C2 I couldn't isolate the segment - so please understand that it will probably jump into another one of Jeanne Moos' articles immediately following the end. Enjoy! Ted_m   ed williamson Advanced Member Username: Regnav Post Number: 152 Registered: 07-2009 Posted From: 76.114.109.206 Posted on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 08:15 am:    From a travel agent - FYI. "Nearly a week into the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland, which is still spewing volcanic ash into the atmosphere, global travel disruption continues even as some airports reopen. To the applause of cheering passengers, the first flights in five days have departed from airports in England, France, Italy and Scotland. However, the volcanic ash cloud still lingers in many areas and continues to spread. London's Heathrow airport, which handles more international passengers than any other airport in the world, remains closed. In the past week, nearly 100,000 flights to, from, or within Europe have been cancelled, with millions of passengers stranded or inconvenienced. On a normal weekday, about 28,000 flights would cross European airspace, but today approximately half that number are expected to be completed. Volcanic ash consists of tiny particles of rock and glass which can damage airplane engines, and planes in the air over Europe today will be flying around or below the ash cloud. It will take several days at least before all who have been stranded reach their destinations and a normal level of air traffic resumes. I will keep you posted."   Wayne Reed Intermediate Member Username: Fertig_machen Post Number: 105 Registered: 02-2009 Posted From: 80.148.22.40 Posted on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 07:43 am:    Deutsche Welle reports Germany has reopened it's airspace effective 1100 hours today. Wonder how long it will be until Ramstein starts receiving aircraft.   Martha Fralia Advanced Member Username: Mjfralia Post Number: 350 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 80.148.25.199 Posted on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 06:30 am:    Second verse, same as the first...no flights today in or out of Ramstein.   ed williamson Advanced Member Username: Regnav Post Number: 151 Registered: 07-2009 Posted From: 76.114.109.206 Posted on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 04:51 am:    NAVSTA Rota, Moron Air Base Receive Diverted Military Flights http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=52720   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5891 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 86.171.160.93 Posted on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 07:50 pm:    The first plane has just landed at Heathrow this very minute.   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5890 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 86.171.160.93 Posted on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 07:46 pm:    According to the Sky News, Civil aviation authority: All British airports can reopen from 10Pm tonight. Sounds like things might start getting back to some sort of normality.   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4333 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 95.208.80.143 Posted on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 06:16 pm:    If you're stuck in Europe and want to kill some time and can make it to Spain in the next few days then see this offer in Spain.   Kathleen M. Collier Member Username: Latterdayesther Post Number: 30 Registered: 08-2007 Posted From: 67.188.91.181 Posted on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 04:30 pm:    Thank-you James and Ted!   Cherry C. Senior Member Username: Cherry Post Number: 6249 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 71.163.18.160 Posted on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 12:52 pm:    I support an e-letter, The Travel Insider, and occasionally get special updates sent only to contributors. Today the blogger has sent a very thoughtful set of comments on and explanations of the entire situation that you may find of interest. It should be accessible at http://thetravelinsider.info/2010/email0420special.htm BTW, I find it interesting that just like the military, civilian airlines may put cargo at a higher priority than people, once the skies are re-opened -- but for a different reason of course.   Martha Fralia Advanced Member Username: Mjfralia Post Number: 345 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 80.148.25.199 Posted on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 09:16 am:    No flights into or out of Ramstein today. Board shows no flights 20 April - 23 April but terminal personnel said to check everyday. Cargo is backed up and will have to be cleared before passengers. Billetting making a list of folks who want to go to other destinations in Europe for possible bus transportation.   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4329 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 95.208.80.143 Posted on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 03:57 am:    Delta flight canceled this morning for Atlanta and only a handful of flights out of Stuttgart - many flights still canceled.   Ted_M Advanced Member Username: Ted_m Post Number: 291 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 173.69.65.34 Posted on Monday, April 19, 2010 - 09:21 pm:    Sorry, at work and just got home:   Kathleen and all-  James gave a very good phonetic spelling of it:  EY-ya-fyat-lah-YOH-kuht  But, I would suggest that, with what I was 'taught' by the Icelanders I worked and off roaded with, the following:  EY-ya-fyat-lah-YOH-kuhll  The end 'jokull' rhymes with local, like YO-kul. The fyat-lah has a slight emphasis on it as well, kinda run together, like FYATlah, kinda sing-songy: EY-ya-FYATlah-YOH-kuhl.  Listening to all the newscasters trying to pronounce it is humorous, but I can imagine what the natives are feeling when they hear someone from another language attempt it.  Being one of the first non-Icelandics allowed to be licensed to use an Icelandic frequency CB radio off road, I had to be able to speak the language and be able to understand and pronounce place names - topographical names, reference points, interpret weather forecasts, etc.  I do thank James for providing the information as well - good job, James!! Thanks!  Sincerely,  Ted_m   James New member Username: Hlrjj Post Number: 5 Registered: 05-2008 Posted From: 74.229.172.227 Posted on Monday, April 19, 2010 - 07:52 pm:    Here is how you say the name of the volcano EY-ya-fyat-lah-YOH-kuht The “EY” rhymes with the word “bay.” The “k” is softer than an English “k,” almost like a hard “g.” And the “t” at the end kind of sticks for a second and pulls away with a hint of a glottal “l.”   Earl Senior Member Username: Myramstein Post Number: 745 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 88.6.18.161 Posted on Monday, April 19, 2010 - 07:29 pm:    Story in European Stars and Stripes paper: http://www.stripes.com/ with pic of empty passenger terminal at Ramstein.   Kathleen M. Collier Member Username: Latterdayesther Post Number: 29 Registered: 08-2007 Posted From: 67.188.91.181 Posted on Monday, April 19, 2010 - 06:48 pm:    Ted M How do you pronounce the name of the volcano? Will you post a phonetic spelling for us? Thanks!   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5884 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 86.171.160.93 Posted on Monday, April 19, 2010 - 03:37 pm:    17:30 here in the UK, quite a few of the airports are going to start opening tomorrow morning (Hopefully).BA said they hope to start after 19:00 tomorrow for some flights. Ryanair is still waiting till Wednesday as far as I know.   Jack Doshier Senior Member Username: Jdoshiertx Post Number: 641 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 24.27.75.25 Posted on Monday, April 19, 2010 - 03:06 pm:    Talked to Charleston Pax Terminal and Agent had just been told by Ramstein Pax Terminal that it is closed today... CHS has several flights today and next two days to Ramstein.??? Open in a few hours? Possible. Jack D.   Earl Senior Member Username: Myramstein Post Number: 744 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 88.6.18.161 Posted on Monday, April 19, 2010 - 03:03 pm:    In today’s Spanish newspaper: “*British Navy may be asked to assist in moving the over 200,000 brits stranded on the mainland” “ * Spain may be asked to be the Euro hub for worldwide flights”. Plan would be fly people into/out of Spain then bus, rental car, train, boat etc northward to France, Germany, UK etc. Problem with that plan is there are no more hotel rooms avail in most Spanish cities. And no ground transportation seats avail for next five days. As stated on here, and the link, test were done and being done of the air quality. So, hopefully the air space will open up soon north of Spain. But pray that the east coast of US will not be closed. If that happens then the spats stuck in Germany are no better off. For now I would not recommend spats head to Spain. Hotel rooms are short in supply. Madrid and cities north of Madrid have no rooms (per Spanish paper yesterday).   Ted_M Advanced Member Username: Ted_m Post Number: 290 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 64.147.217.139 Posted on Monday, April 19, 2010 - 12:31 pm:    I have been following the eruptions closely, having been stationed at Keflavik for a total of 5 1/2 years and used to off road back into Thorsmork which is just north of the volcano, and driven across the southern Ring Road countless times. Anyone that is following the ash cloud, and want to see its origin, here is a link to a live webcam of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano from the NW in Hvollsvollur. I just visited it and it is a clear sunny day with the winds blowing the plume of ash: http://eldgos.mila.is/eyjafjallajokull-fra-thorolfsfelli/ It may take a bit to load, as I would imagine, a lot of people may have found the link/website and believe that the Icelandic Meteorological group is monitoring it from afar. Hope you enjoy the view! Sincerely, Ted_m   Cherry C. Senior Member Username: Cherry Post Number: 6238 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 71.163.18.160 Posted on Monday, April 19, 2010 - 11:34 am:    To follow up on DBM's post just below, I heard on the radio this morning that Canada is beginning to limit flight operations in Newfoundland and perhaps some of the other northern maritime provinces, as the cloud approaches.   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5882 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 88.105.121.239 Posted on Monday, April 19, 2010 - 07:00 am:    Well the latest from your UK correspondent: Flights are still grounded till 01:00 tomorrow. They are now saying the "Cloud" might hit the EAST Coast of America by 18:00 today.   Wayne Reed Intermediate Member Username: Fertig_machen Post Number: 104 Registered: 02-2009 Posted From: 80.148.22.40 Posted on Monday, April 19, 2010 - 05:41 am:    Deutsche Welle (DW) reports German airspace will remain closed until 2000 hours, local. They also report most of the major airlines are flying test flights w/o PAX and reporting no problems. However most of the flights were not at normal cruise altitudes. I have found DW to be the most reliable for news on the ash problem. I agree with Cherry's comment regarding being stranded on a military installation rather than a major airport.   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4322 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 95.208.80.143 Posted on Monday, April 19, 2010 - 04:01 am:    Delta's inbound flight to Stuttgart and the returning flight in the morning to Atlanta are still scheduled so maybe some transatlantic flights are possible. We'll see what today brings!   Jessica New member Username: Bjbbstokes Post Number: 5 Registered: 01-2009 Posted From: 12.52.188.234 Posted on Monday, April 19, 2010 - 02:52 am:    It was Ramstein's spring break this past week, so a lot of folks went on vacation for spring break. I am sure there will be lots of absences this week, students and teachers! The kids don't seem to mind much though! LOL! Nothing we can do but be patient and pass the time!   Earl Senior Member Username: Myramstein Post Number: 743 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 88.6.18.161 Posted on Sunday, April 18, 2010 - 08:59 pm:    PS: Thank you John D for that link. Have given it to other Americans here. Very useful page. The Spring Fair is 20 to 25 April in Seville. Sure this will have inpact on the fair as Brits, Germans etc cannot make it down to Spain... wait and see as Cherry C stated.   Earl Senior Member Username: Myramstein Post Number: 742 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 88.6.18.161 Posted on Sunday, April 18, 2010 - 08:56 pm:    I am in Ferrol Spain right now (up north). Left Madrid other day via train. Anything flying north of Madrid is grounded. Subject to change day by day. I rode train to Ferrol from Madrid. Trains, rental cars, buses are booked solid from Spain heading north to France, Germany etc. I had my tickets well in advance. Many people were stuck in Madrid. Hotels booked solid. Again, glad I had my reservation in Madrid before this happened. Tony is in Cadiz and believe CK Dunn is now in Rota. They best can give Rota report. No flights, commerical, as of yet heading anwhere too far north of Madrid. Cannot give update for North of here. Great web page link posted above. Thanks. Bad for Germany flights but from what I hear from another mil person here is that the Rota and Moron flights to/from the desert may increase in next few days, if not already. Problem is those folks in Ramstein can not fly down here to Spain and train ticket is not cheap. Thanks to all for your input. Guess John D or others can give UK update. Many Brits stuck here in northern Spain!!   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5879 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 88.105.121.239 Posted on Sunday, April 18, 2010 - 07:33 pm:    The people who "know" about volcanoes are saying it could last, the eruptions, for many weeks/months. We are just waiting for the wind to change, which the weather man just said maybe later in the week.   Cherry C. Senior Member Username: Cherry Post Number: 6236 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 71.163.18.160 Posted on Sunday, April 18, 2010 - 07:22 pm:    The basic problem seems to be that the volcano is still erupting. Therefore everyone is canceling flights day by day, but there really is no end in sight. So when we see or hear something like "flights canceled until 7 p.m. tomorrow" we cannot assume they will resume at that time! Instead, another announcement will be issued, extending the situation for one more day. And then one more day after that, and on and on. Nobody can predict when it will stop. At least there's one comforting thought-- this is NOT the summer "high season" for tourism across the pond, so not quite as many travelers are stranded. (Cold comfort for the ones who are, of course.)   Rob-N-sig Advanced Member Username: Robnsig Post Number: 279 Registered: 12-2008 Posted From: 80.148.27.119 Posted on Sunday, April 18, 2010 - 05:50 pm:    I am in Ramstein now and they have not open the air field or the air space over Germany yet. The Airman did not have any updated information other than they are waiting as well.   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5877 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 88.105.121.239 Posted on Sunday, April 18, 2010 - 02:25 pm:    Ryanair cancels all flights in Northern Europe until 13:00 Wednesday. Their boss is on Sky News at the moment. Someone organized a Dunkirk flotilla to get more people back from the Continent. Talk about the British Navy getting involved too.   Jessica New member Username: Bjbbstokes Post Number: 4 Registered: 01-2009 Posted From: 12.52.188.234 Posted on Sunday, April 18, 2010 - 12:40 pm:    Heard that Ramstein is supposed to be up and running at 2000 today, let's hope so!   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5874 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 88.105.121.239 Posted on Sunday, April 18, 2010 - 11:37 am:    Now, the rest of the world knows what Space A is like. I bet none of them have Red Bandanas though.   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4319 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 95.208.80.143 Posted on Sunday, April 18, 2010 - 11:31 am:    For anyone heading to/from Europe that wants to keep abreast of the latest info then there are constant updates on RTE's Web Site.   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5873 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 88.105.121.239 Posted on Sunday, April 18, 2010 - 11:28 am:    As of 13:30 local time in the UK, all flights over the UK airspace is still on hold till 01:00 tomorrow.   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4316 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 95.208.80.143 Posted on Sunday, April 18, 2010 - 10:38 am:    For anyone stuck in Europe and want to get to somewhere else by ground you may want to checkout the Facebook page Carpool Europe.   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4313 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 95.208.80.143 Posted on Sunday, April 18, 2010 - 07:25 am:    Some friends of ours were scheduled to depart Orlando this evening (18 Apr) via Atlanta for Stuttgart. The earliest they can get is 8 days later on 26 Apr from Orlando to Memphis to Amsterdam to Stuttgart! It's going to be an ugly week or so for any traveler (air or not and Space-A or not).   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5870 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 88.105.121.239 Posted on Sunday, April 18, 2010 - 06:28 am:    Latest from the NEWS here, Flights still suspended till 19:00 tonight.   Jack T. Paxton Senior Member Username: Jpaxton Post Number: 811 Registered: 07-2003 Posted From: 24.27.231.67 Posted on Saturday, April 17, 2010 - 10:47 pm:    Don: Did you ever conceive of being an FAC? (forward air controller)? Looks to me if it clears in the UK it will clear further westward. I had to laugh at one post asking if it would affect military flights! I would bet Rota is having its hands full...certainly an unusual phenom!!!   Bob Dart Senior Member Username: Bobdart Post Number: 1474 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 76.29.20.95 Posted on Saturday, April 17, 2010 - 10:38 pm:    The news is saying that some in Europe won't be able to get seats on an airplane before May 6th. Even here in Chicago people are stacked up trying to move. I was once stuck in India for a long period so I do have empathy for these folks sitting around airports a long way from home.   meredith Member Username: Wabashmer Post Number: 27 Registered: 05-2008 Posted From: 88.37.190.130 Posted on Saturday, April 17, 2010 - 04:01 pm:    @Aviano AB No seats on international trains, no Ryanair flights until 1300 Monday, all Lufthansa flights cancelled today, no one-way rental cars available. ...at least Aviano is pretty!   Wayne Reed Intermediate Member Username: Fertig_machen Post Number: 103 Registered: 02-2009 Posted From: 80.148.22.40 Posted on Saturday, April 17, 2010 - 07:09 am:    Still nothing moving at Ramstein. Just one (1) old KC-135 sitting on the ramp. PAX terminal folks are taking it "one day at a time".   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4305 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 95.208.80.143 Posted on Saturday, April 17, 2010 - 07:04 am:    Delta's inbound flight from Atlanta to Stuttgart as a "Go" for Sunday night so it looks like things will start to get back to normal but I'm sure it will take a long time. Two of my co-workers have already canceled their travel for next week - if I don't get out Tuesday then I'll join them! Even though we're failrly South the flights are victims of the Great Circle   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5867 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 88.105.121.239 Posted on Saturday, April 17, 2010 - 06:43 am:    Just changed till tomorrow now here in the UK.   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5865 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 88.105.121.239 Posted on Saturday, April 17, 2010 - 06:28 am:    According to the SKY News and BBC, the flights are still suspended until 19:00 today.   Leland Senior Member Username: Leland Post Number: 6108 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 98.218.147.237 Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 08:20 pm:    From today's Army Times: *********************************** A volcanic ash plume that has severely impacted commercial aviation over Europe also has forced the diversion of all military and commercial contract flights over the region, an official said Friday morning. The most immediate effect is on U.S. combat-wounded troops, who are being flown straight from the war theater to Washington, D.C., without making the customary stop in Germany, said Navy Capt. Kevin Aandahl, a spokesman for U.S. Transportation Command. One contracted commercial passenger flight has been grounded in Europe, “and they’re just going to wait out the plume,” Aandahl said. He said he couldn’t identify the base, or whether it was carrying troops forward to the war theater, for operational security reasons. Another 10 or so flights “will be delayed at their originating locations,” he said. Aandahl called the length of the delays “anybody’s guess.” He described the overall impact of the diversions as “minimal,” with likely time delays “but nothing that’s acutely significant. “We’re just readjusting our processes and our procedures and, most importantly and most obviously, the routes,” he said. Medevaced patients normally stop in Germany, for treatment at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. For now, Aandahl said, they will be flown instead directly to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and transferred either to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C., or the National Naval Medical Center in nearby Bethesda, Md.   kenneth e ferguson Member Username: Cyberg Post Number: 26 Registered: 02-2007 Posted From: 68.37.9.16 Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 08:15 pm:    I'm at mcguire right now(terminal) the missions to ROTA are wheels up........ however all Ramstein flights canceled about 50 paxs were told to linger for TBD future flights   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5862 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 88.105.121.239 Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 03:55 pm:    As of the latest news at 5:55 PM British time, Ryanair won't be flying until at least 13:00 Monday.   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4300 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 95.208.80.143 Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 03:05 pm:    Stuttgart just fell victim. Although the daily Delta to CONUS flight left this morning the next two days are canceled - looking at Monday now.   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5860 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 88.105.121.239 Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 01:39 pm:    As of 15:30 UK Time, the no fly zone time in or over the UK, has been extended till 07:00 Saturday morning.   Wayne Reed Intermediate Member Username: Fertig_machen Post Number: 102 Registered: 02-2009 Posted From: 80.148.22.40 Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 01:25 pm:    Nothing moving here at Ramstein. A mission to Mc Guire scheduled for tomorrow. Will wait and see if that goes.   Jessica New member Username: Bjbbstokes Post Number: 3 Registered: 01-2009 Posted From: 70.89.150.1 Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 11:43 am:    I am stuck in Charleston trying to get to Ramstein, so far nothing out of here. It is rumored that the flightline on Ramstein may not be running flights for up to a week.   Monty Hopey Member Username: Mhopey Post Number: 12 Registered: 07-2008 Posted From: 217.87.154.5 Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 11:25 am:    Sky News is reporting that all flights going into and out of England have been canceled until further notice along with some flights on the Continent due to volcanic dust coming from the eruption. Don't know how this will impact on flights going into and out of Ramstein.   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5859 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 88.105.121.239 Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 06:27 am:    As of 08:25 here in the UK, there are no flights allowed over UK airspace till 01;00 Saturday morning.   Bob Dart Senior Member Username: Bobdart Post Number: 1466 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 76.29.20.95 Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 01:02 am:    I heard on television news that it's going to take a very long time for the commercial airlines to get everything back to normal because of the volcano.   DeeDee Clarke Senior Member Username: Deedee Post Number: 607 Registered: 05-2004 Posted From: 72.181.14.46 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 11:00 pm:    RAF Mildenhall aircraft were grounded.   Charles B Intermediate Member Username: Ccchuck Post Number: 117 Registered: 05-2007 Posted From: 71.207.246.16 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 10:45 pm:    any word on how much if any impact this is having on military flights?   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5857 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 88.105.121.239 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 06:58 pm:    Latest news as of a couple minutes ago, no flights in or out of the UK till at least 13:00 tomorrow. 21;00 Local   jennie mcallister New member Username: Mcallister_jennie Post Number: 4 Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 80.36.121.6 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 06:27 pm:    i went to the rota terminal the volcano is not going to effect rota as far as going to the states, in fact the guy told me there are now extra flights going out? not sure what that means as far as space a.....   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5854 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 88.105.121.239 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 02:37 pm:    Guess it will be a good reason for me NOT to wash the car tomorrow. I did get a message from a fellow board member today from Mildenhall, saying that their squadron had a message that no flights for a while. It doesn't look good according to Sky News and the BBC News. Just heard the French terminal in Paris have shut or will be and nothing flying into or out of the UK until at least 7AM tomorrow   Kenneth Member Username: Keno Post Number: 46 Registered: 07-2006 Posted From: 91.204.172.59 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 01:56 pm:    Just visited RAF Mildenhall terminal, nothing in or out. Might just see more of England than originally planned ). Jill   KSYR Senior Member Username: Ksyr Post Number: 644 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 74.33.222.25 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 01:39 pm:    LONDON – Ash from Iceland's spewing volcano halted air traffic across a wide swathe of Europe on Thursday, grounding planes on a scale not seen since the 9/11 terror attacks. Thousands of flights were canceled, tens of thousands of passengers were stranded and officials said it was not clear when it would be safe enough to fly again. In a sobering comment, one scientist in Iceland said the ejection of volcanic ash — and therefore disruptions in air travel — could continue for days or even weeks. Authorities stopped all flights over Britain, Ireland and the Nordic countries. The shutdown closed London's five major airports including Heathrow, Europe's busiest, a major trans-Atlantic hub that handles over 1,200 flights and 180,000 passengers per day.   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4296 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 87.139.81.108 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 12:48 pm:    Jennie, Directly? Probably not as Rota is a fair bit south of the affected areas. Indirectly? Possibly if the flights departing Rota are changed due to changes in missions through the affected areas. In fact, it might even help you if flights are diverted to more Souther intermediate stopping points.   LBlanco Senior Member Username: Diver47 Post Number: 565 Registered: 05-2008 Posted From: 173.67.8.227 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 12:31 pm:    For those planning to fly to or from the UK: The BBC is reporting closing of the airspace over the UK for non-emergency flights until tomorrow due to an ash cloud from a volcano in Iceland.   jennie mcallister New member Username: Mcallister_jennie Post Number: 3 Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 80.36.121.6 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 12:12 pm:    do you think this will effect my plans to travel from rota spain to travis this weekend? ive never flown space a and not sure if it might cancel the flights here   Cherry C. Senior Member Username: Cherry Post Number: 6220 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 71.163.18.160 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 11:20 am:    In case you, like me, read Don's post below and said "HUH?" it turns out there has been a volcanic explosion in Iceland.   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5852 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 88.105.121.239 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 05:55 am:    Hundreds of flights have already been cancelled at airports in Scotland and northern England, and the ash cloud is forecast to spread southwards towards London during today, causing major disruption. I would think anything flying to/from the States might be disrupted unless they take the southern route.