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AOA statement on reopening of UK airports

Direct News Source

21-Apr-2010 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.