The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced the introduction of a new Time Limited Zone (TLZ) which will allow flights to take place though denser ash cloud than previously permitted.

Following discussions with airlines, regulators, and aircraft and engine manufacturers the new Time Limited Zone, which effectively doubles the amount of permissible ash grammes per cubic metre of air, will reduce the need for airspace closures caused by volcanic ash.

New procedures and the introduction of the zone will take place from midday today, 18 May 2010.

To operate in the new zone airlines need to present the CAA with a safety case that includes the agreement of their aircraft and engine manufacturers. UK airline Flybe is the first to achieve this and will therefore be able to use the new zone from midday.

Announcing the change Andrew Haines, Civil Aviation Authority Chief Executive, said: “I’m pleased that the huge efforts we’re all making across aviation to keep flying safe whilst minimising the disruption from the volcano have resulted in further progress. Unprecedented situations require new measures and the challenge faced should not be underestimated. Firstly because the standard default procedure for aircraft that encounter ash, to avoid it completely, doesn’t work in our congested airspace. Secondly, the world’s top scientists tell us that we must not simply assume the effects of this volcano will be the same as others elsewhere. Its proximity to the UK, the length of time it is continuously erupting and the weather patterns are all exceptional features.

“The answer can only come, therefore, from aircraft and engine manufacturers establishing what level of ash their products can safely tolerate. At an international aviation conference we held last Thursday, attended by all the leading airline operators this approach was welcomed and supported. The manufacturers are co-operating fully and urgently in this task and the new zone is an excellent example of how the industry should be working to move the issue forward and I commend Flybe for its work.”

The introduction of the Time Limited Zone is based on measurements collected from test flights through the current ash cloud over the past month, as well as on data and evidence compiled and analysed from previous volcanic ash incidents combined with additional analysis from manufacturers.

British Airways has confirmed its schedule of operations during the planned strike action by cabin crew.

Between the 18 and 23 May, British Airways plans to operate all flights to and from Gatwick and London City airports.

The airline has also confirmed its schedule to and from Heathrow – for more information and to check the status of your flight click here.

To book Gatwick meet and greet and Gatwick taxi transfers click on the links.

Following the announcement of intended strike dates by BA cabin crew, British Airways has announced that, for the first strike period of 18 to 23 May, it plans to operate all flights to and from London City Airport and London Gatwick.

The airline intends to operate more than 60 per cent of longhaul flights and more than 50 percent of shorthaul flights.

BA has now confirmed longhaul flights from London Heathrow and will confirm its shorthaul schedule on Friday 14 May.

For more information and to check the status of your flight go to www.britishairways.com/travel/strike-ballot-1/public/en_gb

To book Gatwick meet and greet and Gatwick taxi transfers click on the links.

Another 20 days of strike action has been announced by Unite, the trade union representing British Airways cabin crew.

The latest proposed strike action will take place on the following days: May 18-22 inclusive, May 24-28 inclusive, May 30-June 3 inclusive and June 5-9 inclusive.

Due to a volcanic ash cloud, NATS has advised that a no-fly zone is in place in the West of Scotland, some airports in the Western Isles, and Northern Ireland until at least 13:00.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has also imposed restrictions on all flights operating into and out of Ireland until 13.00 on Tuesday 4th May.

easyBus now offers a non-stop service to Gatwick Airport from Earl’s Court / West Brompton.

The new service, which launched on 25 April, operates around the clock with a journey time of 65 minutes.

To book Gatwick meet and greet and Gatwick taxi transfers click on the links.

Ryanair has announced that due to the volcanic ash cloud it is to cancel all scheduled flights to/from the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Holland, France, Germany, Poland and the Baltic States until 13:00 hours on Wednesday 21 April.

For a list of all Ryanair flights cancelled and for further information click here: www.ryanair.com/en/notices/gops/100414-ICELAND_ASH-GB

To book Stansted airport parking using an online parking price checker, or Stansted airport taxis click on the links.

Due to the volcanic ash cloud UK controlled airspace is to remain closed until at least 01:00 hours on Tuesday 20 April (local time).

The next update on restrictions is expected around 15:00 hours today.

British Airways has announced it is to increase its flight schedules for the second period of strike action that is scheduled to take place from 27 – 30 March.

Gatwick
The airline now plans to run a full service from Gatwick using its own aircraft.

Heathrow
BA aims to operate up to 55 % of its shorthaul and 70% of its longhaul flights. BA will be hiring in up to 11 aircraft each day with their own pilots and cabin crew to supplement services

London City Airport
Flights to and from London City Airport will be unaffected by strike action

Subsidiary, franchise, alliance and codeshare flights
All flights operated by subsidiary, franchise, alliance and codeshare partners will operate.

For more information on BA’s flight schedule and to check the status of your flight go to www.britishairways.com/travel/strike-ballot/public/en_gb?refevent=HOME_URGENT_CENTRE

Airparks Gatwick has updated the directions it gives customers using their airport parking services. Updated details are as follows:

From the M23 Junction 9:
Exit the motorway and follow signs for Gatwick Airport.
At the motorway roundabout with traffic lights take the second exit and head towards the airport.
At the next roundabout go straight over towards the north terminal.
At the next roundabout take the fourth exit heading right toward Crawley, Redhill, the A23.
Join the dual carriageway until you reach another roundabout.
Once you reach the Longbridge roundabout take fourth exit and head back on yourself, signposted A23(M23) Gatwick, Brighton & Crawley. Do not turn left towards Charlwood.
Stay on this road until you get to a roundabout go straight over, staying on the A23 southbound.
At the second roundabout take the second exit onto the Old Brighton Road South, signposted for Lowfield Heath/Charlwood.
Go 200 yards to mini roundabout, turn left into Charlwood Rd.
Airparks is 1.5 miles ahead on the right hand side.

From the M23 Junction 10:
Take third exit signposted Crawley(A2011).
At first roundabout take third exit signposted A2011 for Horsham.
At next roundabout with traffic lights take fourth exit Redhill/Gatwick A23 Northbound.
Stay on A23 northbound, at next roundabout go straight over following signs to Gatwick.
At next roundabout take 1st exit Lowfield Heath/Crawley.
Go 200 yards to mini roundabout, turn left.
Airparks is 1.5 miles on right hand side.

Roadworks:
Due to roadworks, all travellers using the M23 may suffer delays on the approach to Airparks Gatwick. In this case, we recommend that you allow extra time for your journey to avoid any hold-ups.

If you are due to be travelling to Airparks Gatwick on any day in the week commencing March 22, please be aware that junction 9 will be closed between 8pm and 6am. All travellers will need to use junction 10 instead. Diversion signs will direct you from the junction 10 turn-off. These will guide you to Gatwick airport and the Lowfield Heath roundabout for Airparks Gatwick.

If you are looking to book Gatwick airport parking check out www.helpmetravel.co.uk an airport parking comparison site offering detailed information on Gatwick airport parking services and their prices.