Airlines question UK decision to ban all flights

International airlines have slammed governments for closing airports across Europe since last Thursday, claiming a blanket ban on all flights to and from the Continent may have been unnecessary.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents most major airlines, said governments had taken the decision to create a no-fly zone without proper evidence that there was any risk to flight safety.

We are far enough into this crisis to express our dissatisfaction on how governments have managed it - with no risk assessment, no consultation, no co-ordination, and no leadership, said IATA Director-General Giovanni Bisignani.

"Governments must place greater urgency and focus on how and when we can safely re-open Europe's skies. This means decisions based on risk-management, facts and utilising operational procedures that maintain safety."

Mr Bisignani insisted airlines would not fly if it was unsafe to do so but said many flights need not have been cancelled. "I have consulted our member airlines that normally operate in the affected airspace. They report missed opportunities to fly safely, he said.

"I challenge governments to agree on ways to flexibly re-open airspace. Risk assessments should be able to help us re-open certain corridors if not entire airspaces."

Several European airlines have already conducted test flights without any immediate signs of damage to the aircraft involved. A British Airways' flight with chief executive Willie Walsh flew from London to Cardiff yesterday, apparently without any difficulty.

Airlines are also exploring various operational measures to maintain safe operations including day flights, restrictions to specific flight corridors, special climb and descent procedures, and more frequent detailed engine inspections to detect damage.

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