Australia travel is hoping the UK skies will see flights like this very soon.
Hopes are high that Australian travel to and from the UK may soon resume normal service after the UK agreed to send test flights to ascertain the extent of the ash clouds currently sweeping over European airspace.
Spain and France have already sent their own test flights out which confirmed that there was little threat to commercial flights. Spanish airports are now open for flights and one option is that Britons stranded in far flung countries such as Australia, can be flown to Spain and then transferred via rail or sea. France has also successfully conducted safe test flights and it is hoped that French airports may also be reopened soon.
UK flight restrictions remain in place until at least Monday morning. Holidaymakers trying to get home after the Easter break are just thousands stranded overseas. No doubt when the schools start back on Monday there will be a few empty places and perhaps more work for supply teachers and staff and pupils on holiday struggle to get back.
Downing Street has held an emergency meeting to discuss the situation and heard from representatives of European airlines and airports who called for flight restrictions to be lifted – many smaller airlines face bankruptcy because of the disruption. Lord Mandelson, on leaving the meeting, promised to pull out all the stops to get UK citizens home.
Weather forecasters however warn that the ash cloud shows no signs of disappearing. The volcano is still spewing out huge ash clouds, albeit intermittently, and could do for some days to come yet. The test flights will ascertain just how dangerous the ash would be were an aircraft to fly through it. A Boeing 747 aircraft landed in Cardiff yesterday after flying through the ash, where it will undergo rigorous testing to discover what damage, if any, the ash has caused to the engines and other vital parts.
Meanwhile stranded Britons are advised to get in contact with their local embassy or consulate. If you are worried about stranded friends or relatives in Australia or elsewhere you can contact the Foreign Office helpline on 020 7008 0000 or visit the Foreign Office website.
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