22-Apr-2010 9:08 AM

Emirates: Volcanic disruption - Latest media statement 21-Apr

Direct News Source

21-Apr-2010 With the gradual opening of UK airspace, Emirates is expecting to make further headway in moving on passengers who have been stranded as a result of volcanic ash clouds.

The airline is trying to operate as many flights as possible on 21st April. However, the situation across Europe remains unpredictable and developments are being very closely monitored.

Based on expected airspace availability, the airline expects to operate flights into London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow throughout the day.

Elsewhere in Europe, airspace closures are gradually being eased. Flights continue into France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Greece, Turkey, Malta, Cyprus and Russia.

Richard Vaughan, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide, said: "We are hoping to make some good progress today in helping the many passengers who have been held up by the ongoing disruption. The gradual re-opening of UK airspace is a relief and critical to smoothing our Europe operations. Having said that, we have a long way to go before normality returns and it's important that passengers bear with us. We are very grateful for the patience and understanding our customers have displayed so far."

Flights to and from Germany continue to experience disruption and may be cancelled or re-routed.

Mr Vaughan added: "For passengers travelling to Europe via Dubai, Emirates is not accepting any passengers for travel to the UK and Germany. This is to help clear the backlog of travellers currently in Dubai awaiting onward connections to Europe. This policy will remain in effect until 23rd April."

As a result of the disruption, the airline has been losing approximately $10 million a day and around 100,000 passengers around the network have been affected.

Passengers are urged to check their flight status on www.emirates.com before leaving for the airport.

Emirates is constantly reviewing its flying schedule and aims to give customers as much notice as possible as information is received from European Air Traffic Control authorities.

Emirates' customers affected by the disruption can cancel their booking or change their onward destination without charge. All re-issue and cancellation fees will be waived while the disruption is ongoing.