FLIGHTS OPERATING AT REDUCED CAPACITY
1600 - Wednesday 21st April, 2010: Analysis of IAA flight figures up to 1530hrs today reveals that traffic today is running at approximately 40%, compared to the same time last year.
The figures reveal the following airport traffic levels for today up to 1600hrs compared to the same date and time last year.:
|
|
2009 April 21 to 1600 hours |
2010 April 21 to 1600 hours |
% of 2009
|
|
Dublin Airport |
578 |
46 |
8% |
|
Shannon Airport |
31 |
9 |
29% |
|
Cork Airport |
35 |
1 |
3% |
|
Overflights of Irish airspace |
574 |
402 |
70% |
The IAA anticipates that, subject to the location of the high-risk exclusion zone, traffic will continue to build in the coming days. Both the IAA and the UK CAA will continue to monitor the effects of ash on safe aircraft operations.
The slow return to normal levels is due to the large amount of passenger aircraft and crews that are not in position to operate the initial flight requirement. A high percentage of flights this morning were to position aircraft, as the airlines return their fleets to their home base to commence normal operations. Having Shannon Airport open yesterday between 1300 and 2100 allowed some domestic airlines to reposition, and facilitated a role traditionally carried out by Shannon as an alternate for transatlantic traffic. Five British Airways transatlantic flights landed at Shannon last night before 2100.
Passengers also have an influence on the resumption of normal service. All passengers, including those on current schedules, and those whose flights were cancelled over the last six days, must be advised of the revised schedule and make the necessary arrangements to reach airports. The airlines must deal with the current workload while dealing with the backlog of stranded passengers. Normal services can only resume when the backlog has been cleared, and stranded passengers have been brought home.
The IAA has ensured maximum staffing in Air Traffic Control and the airports are also extending opening hours to deal with this problem.
The IAA has no information on any individual flights and passengers should consult airline websites before travelling to the airport for flights.
The IAA will make a statement if any volcanic ash threat to Irish airspace emerges later today, or in the coming days.
Ends
For further information contact:
Ken Rogan
086 317 9955