The Royal British Navy’s latest assignment is retrieving about 150,000 stranded Brits from France and Spain. The alternative route home is being offered since British airspace has been shut down since last Thursday due to the cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland’s volcanic eruption.
Among the three warships is the navy’s very large flagship aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal. According to British media, a spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense said the commanders were examining available ports but if none were found the ships could remain offshore and helicopters would be used to bring travelers aboard.
Although it seems odd to use warships as ferries when ferry operators claim they still have space, the government decision, announced by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, received wide support. David Cameron, leader of the opposition Conservative Party thought it was right to involve the Royal Navy since “this is obviously a very difficult time, huge disruption for families.“
The airline industry, which is losing millions of dollars a day, is actively keeping the discussion about the necessity for continuing restrictions alive. British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh called the continued restrictions “unnecessary,” according to British media.
Among the three warships is the navy’s very large flagship aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal. According to British media, a spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense said the commanders were examining available ports but if none were found the ships could remain offshore and helicopters would be used to bring travelers aboard.
Although it seems odd to use warships as ferries when ferry operators claim they still have space, the government decision, announced by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, received wide support. David Cameron, leader of the opposition Conservative Party thought it was right to involve the Royal Navy since “this is obviously a very difficult time, huge disruption for families.“
The airline industry, which is losing millions of dollars a day, is actively keeping the discussion about the necessity for continuing restrictions alive. British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh called the continued restrictions “unnecessary,” according to British media.
