Take off but land at your own risk, airline tells fliers

The only airline that resumed flights from India to Europe on Tuesday did so with a rider. Passengers of two British Airways flights to London were told that in case the flights could not land in London and had to be diverted to Europe, the airline would no longer be responsible for them. Soubhik Mitra reports.

The only airline that resumed flights from India to Europe on Tuesday did so with a rider.

Passengers of two British Airways flights to London were told that in case the flights could not land in London and had to be diverted to Europe, the airline would no longer be responsible for them. Volcanic ash in European skies has disrupted air traffic for six days.

“Before boarding the flight, airline staff told us we would have to manage on our own if the flight was diverted. We were allowed to board only after we accepted the conditions,” said Thangam Nair (72), Mulund resident, before boarding the flight with her husband and daughter.

HT Image

"If a flight lands in a country other than the UK, passengers without the Schengen visa will be stranded,” said a travel agent requesting anonymity.

British Airways officials did not respond to calls and text messages from HT. A Jet Airways flight to London was scheduled for 4 pm but the airline called it off. “We are awaiting clearance from the UK,” said the airline spokesperson.

German carrier Lufthansa resumed operations. The airline will operate flights from German airports to Indian metros and will fly back hundreds of passengers stuck here.

Kingfisher and Air India could begin operations early on Wednesday, if they get clearance from the UK. All airlines have asked fliers to confirm flight status before heading to the airport.