100 Heathrow flights cancelled for Queen's funeral

Heathrow
Author: Louise EastonPublished 15th Sep 2022

There will be more disturbance to travellers at Heathrow aiport on Monday as the west London hub has announced it's cancelling more than 100 flights due to the Queen's funeral.

This is down to the amount of noise they make, with the airport wanting to ensure quiet across the London skies during the two minute silence following the service at Westminster Abbey. 15% of its 1,200 flights due to take off or land on Monday will be disrupted

No flights will be allowed to take off or land from 15 minutes before the silence starts just before noon, until 15 minutes after it ends.

Departures and arrivals will also be halted during the arrival of the funeral cortege and procession at Windsor Castle, and diverted around the castle during the private family service on Monday night.

British Airways - the most-affected airline - will cancel 100 short-haul flights due to the restrictions.

A Heathrow spokesman said:

"Heathrow, Nats (the air traffic control provider) and airlines are supporting the ceremonial aspects for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral at Westminster Abbey and the committal service at Windsor Castle on Monday.

"As a mark of respect, operations to and from the airport will be subject to appropriate changes in order to avoid noise disruption at certain locations at specific times on Monday."

A British Airways spokesman said: "As a mark of respect for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her state funeral, we have reduced our schedule and retimed some flights at Heathrow to ensure the skies are quiet at certain moments on Monday.

"Our thoughts remain with the royal family and the nation."

BA was forced to cancel 16 flights on Wednesday during the Queen's coffin procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall.

Heathrow warned that many roads near the airport will be closed on Monday due to the events in Windsor.

Passengers are "strongly advised" to use London Underground and rail services to get to and from the airport.

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