News
Heathrow conditions continue to limit Air Canada flights
Dec. 20, 2010, Montreal - Air Canada advises that the continuing effects of severe winter conditions in England are strictly limiting its operations to and from London and passengers are urged to consult the company website www.aircanada.com for flight schedule updates before travelling or going to the airport.
December 20, 2010 By Carey Fredericks
"Air Canada is only able to operate one-third of its normal schedule due to restrictions at London Heathrow, meaning we initially are allowed only a combination of six take-offs and landings today. We will be using those flights primarily to return aircraft to Canada from London as well as moving to Londonone aircraft and passengers earlier diverted to Dublin. We recognize the inconvience this situation is causing passengers anxious to travel and we are taking all measures to ensure customers travel safely to their destinations as soon as possible. However our ability to increase capacity is very limited due to slot constraints at Heathrow and the fact our flights are already fully booked for the holiday season. Customers and others going to the airport should consult our website for the latest information as conditions at the London airport are continually changing and we will be updating it through the day," said Duncan Dee, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
Due to restrictions at London Heathrow, Air Canada currently plans to operate five departures from London on Monday, December 20, including two toToronto and one each to Halifax, Calgary and Vancouver and there will be one flight in during the day from Dublin. Air Canada is currently awaiting information from Heathrow before determining which flights from Canada will operate to London in the evening of December 20. Winter weather is also affecting other European stations, notably Paris, where airport conditions are imposing lengthy delays or cancellations on carriers. Air Canada asks passengers to postpone non-essential travel and is waiving change and cancellation fees for those who wish to reschedule on affected routes.
Customers with confirmed tickets to flights to or from affected areas are advised to check on the status of their flight prior to leaving for the airport by consulting the Air Canada website at aircanada.com, or by calling Air Canada's automated flight information system at 1-888-422-7533, or by using a web-enhanced cell phone.
