To ensure that the skies above London remain quiet during Queen Elizabeth’s Funeral.
Following extensive discussions with Heathrow airport, 100 short-haul flights were cancelled. The country’s flag carrier usually operates approximately 700 flights per day from Britain’s busiest airport.
The affected passengers will be contacted to offer the possibility of a rebooking with BA or another airline or a refund.
BA cancels are part of a larger operation to ensure that events aren’t overshadowed or ruined by planes flying above the capital.
11.40am – 12.10pm: No aircraft movements, in support of the two-minute silence at the end of Her Majesty’s funeral
1.45pm – 2.20pm: No arrivals during the procession of Her Majesty’s hearse
3.05pm – 4.45pm: No departures during the ceremonial procession via the Long Walk to Windsor Castle
4.45pm – 9pm: Heathrow will operate a reduced departure rate to support the Committal service at St George’s Chapel
Heathrow will not allow flights to take off or land between 11:40 am – 12:10 pm. This is in order to preserve the two-minute silence at end of the funeral service.
To support Her Majesty’s hearse procession, arrivals will be stopped between 1.45 pm – 2.20 pm. As a ceremonial procession makes its way down the Long Walk towards Windsor Castle, departures will be stopped between 3.05 pm – 4.45 pm.
According to a spokesperson for the airport, “Heathrow Airport and the airlines are working closely together with NATS to minimize the impact of these restrictions upon passengers. These moments will be observed by airlines on Monday. This will require them to adjust their schedules, which could result in some changes to flights.
British Airways spokesmen said that they had reduced their schedule and re-timed certain flights at Heathrow in respect of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral. This will ensure quiet skies at certain times.
To minimize noise during Queen Elizabeth’s private service and interment, flights will be diverted to Windsor Castle on Monday.
