TDECISION on Heathrow closing – the busiest European airport – Friday launched many poor outcomes After a fire at Electrical substation Nearby.
The first inevitable consequence: more than 100 entrance flights that have already been in the air or turned back and returned to the initial points or redirected dozens of airports across Europe, and even uniform in Europe.
First take-off from Heathrow after Airport opened again He was a British Airways flight for Riyadh, who took off on Friday at 21:00. Until then, more than 1300 flights were canceled and the estimated 240,000 passengers had their own Travel plans torn.
The next day, as the airlines fought for retrieving aircraft from foreign airports in which they landed, more than 100 flights were canceled.
I estimate the costs for airlines to amount to £ 100 million in lost costs of income and passenger accounts. Heathrow and many companies of his activities will also support millions.
Spread damage on the economy is trouble. Entrance tourism – the industry closest to “free money” for any nation – is especially vulnerable. Great Britain’s appeal will be harmed in a short time and long-term.
Even worse than economic wreck is an emotional impact. Each of these passengers in the quarter of millions had an important journey, which turned from joyful anticipation for demolished dreams.
The incident also set an extreme pressure on people working on the airline front-world front, facing passengers who were under stress and upset.
Given the huge damage caused, Heathrow still has several key questions for the answer. Executive Director of the Airport, Thomas Woldbye, talked to me on Saturday.
He said Independent It was not a “simple decision”, adding, “But it is not so difficult because our main concern is. And if we can see that we cannot safely do the ackrains and guarantee the safety of passengers and [the safety of] Colleagues and planes, then the decision on closing is not so difficult. “
I put additional questions on the airport and relevant answers are included below. Maybe the traffic board will choose further answers when it appears before them 2. April.
What conversations did they have before the closing announcement?
On very least British respirations – with over half flights in Heathrow – and two largest players, Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa, were certainly advised about the impact on their business. Ba and the virgin were the most interesting diversions. And as a critical piece of national infrastructure, the government would like to perform representations.
Why did the aircraft already entered in the country?
Most of them were Airways and Virgin Atlantic, using terminals 3 and 5. The hull and control tower always worked. Reports say the power is still flowing to these terminals and that they have launched a border force in the UK and luggage. Allowing aircraft, crew and passengers to arrive:
- Make a subsequent sequel far easier
- Reduce incident costs to many millions of pounds
- Reduce trouble caused by passengers
Heathrow said, “As the busiest airport in Europe uses so much energy as a small city, so it is not necessary to power our operation, even after it must be restarted and stable to use. Safety remains our priority.”
Why did Heathrow decide to open early early?
Exactly the formulation of the announcement: “To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, we have no choice, but to close Heathrow until 23:59 21. March 20. March. We expect significant disorders over the coming days and passengers should not travel through the airport.”
Ten long transport flights managed to take off later in the evening, in relief passengers and airlines.
But all similar messages in the future are likely to be treated with some skepticism among travel and media, with some desperate travelers that appear in external cases.
When did Heathrow warn other airports of unexpected planes?
To perform everyone for luggage in ready-to-UK border border staff, as much information as possible for Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester and other key airports to the arrival of an unexpected aircraft.
Will Heathrow compensate for the airlines for an incident?
The latest incident with similar influence was Failed Nat Computer system for air traffic on Augustovski Holiday Holiday 2023. Years. Airlines were angry that they could not refute tens of millions of pounds in losses.
What did Heathrow learn from failure at other airports in the UK?
In November last year, Fake alarm At the security checkpoint on Gatwick South Termmrm, he led to immediate evacuation, including the airport railway station. Still, Sussex Airport gave some good tactical decisions with their partners to enable more than more travel travelers.
Trains stopped at the Horley adjacent station, not Gatwick, allowing access to the north terminal. The passengers who come to the flights to the south terminal were buses to the northern processing terminal. It would surely make sense for Heathrow to study the incident on his largest rival in Britain to inform his external situation planning.
Heathrow gave long-consideration of influence?
Heathrow Airport said, “We didn’t work imminently during the night, and closely with our partners to ensure that we can open it safely as soon as possible.”
But we need to know if all possible less harmful opportunities are considered.