♥ Wednesday, April 21
SINGAPORE : The travel nightmare in the wake of the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud is easing, as airlines have started operating flights to selected airports in Europe.
Three flights by Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Lufthansa flew out of Changi Airport on Tuesday morning.
SIA said another seven flights will depart later Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.
Travellers arriving on the first flight into Singapore from Athens on Tuesday morning were visibly relieved, as some had made a big detour just to get home.
"The only two airports that appeared to be open were Rome and Athens. So I took the train from Milan to Rome, and was able to get a flight from Rome to Athens, (stayed) overnight there and got home," said one passenger.
Airlines said they are waiting for the go—ahead from more airports in Europe to open and may be looking at increasing the number of flights.
"We will be looking to mount flights as soon as we can, and where we can, (to) operate additional services and/or use larger aircraft (so as) to be able to cater to the customers who are still here," said Nicholas Ionides, VP of Public Affairs at Singapore Airlines.
"Last night, about 600 passengers were able to return to Europe and to their destinations. And we expect full flights for the entire week. A backlog of maybe about 1,000 passengers are now on Lufthansa only. And we’re waiting for permission to fly an additional two flights on Wednesday, out of Singapore as well," said Ume Mueller, VP (Asia Pacific), Lufthansa German Airlines.
And the news cannot come any sooner for those who are running out of options.
For some passengers who have ran out of money and have no where to go, Changi Airport has stepped in to offer assistance. 36 KLM and Air France passengers are currently being put up at the Changi Airport Recreation Club, and they have been provided with inflatable mattresses, shower facilities and food.
"There isn’t a huge amount of privacy, but we cannot complain. I know of people who are in Thailand... and they have been robbed in the airports while they’ve been sleeping on the floors of terminals... We’ve got comfort and we’ve got a support network here which has been wonderful," said Sophie Harris, an Air France passenger.
And things are looking up for travellers, as Air France is flying to Paris on Tuesday night. — CNA /ls
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