London flights disrupted for royal funeral

FLIGHTS from London Heathrow airport were disrupted during the transfer of Queen Elizabeth II’S coffin for her lying-in-state, with more upheaval likely next week when her funeral takes place.

Departures faced delays and adjustments for almost two hours from 1.50pm on Wednesday, Heathrow said.

The measures were aimed at ensuring an absence of jet-engine noise as a gun carriage took the Queen from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, King Charles walking behind.

Planes leaving the hub west of London are still departing eastbound, according to a spokesperson, a routing which, though taking them over the city, allows them to peel away as they climb. Were aircraft to land from the east, they’d need to fly for longer at a low altitude above the centre of the capital.

London City Airport also said that flights were delayed.

Similar disruption at Heathrow is expected on Monday, though measures may need to be in place longer as the former monarch’s funeral at Westminster Abbey will be followed by the coffin’s transfer to St George’s Chapel in Windsor. That route will take the procession close to the airport.

Long-distance bus operator National Express Group said services to and from Victoria Coach Station would move to Wembley Stadium on Monday due to road closures for the funeral.

London’s public transport system is under strain as thousands prepare to pay their last respects. People began lining up on Tuesday to file past the coffin during the lying-in-state, which begins at 5pm and will continue 24 hours a day until Monday. |