Updated information for staff flying back to the UK

Wednesday, 21 April 2010

volcanic ash from Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull

Update 21/04/2010: Now UK airspace is open, the government are urgently re-assessing with tour operators and airlines how best they can assist British Nationals to return to the UK.

The UK government are continuing to work with foreign governments and all relevant agencies to ensure that people can return home to the UK quickly and safely.

Airlines have confirmed that due to flight restrictions being lifted from 22:00 UK time on 20 April, they will not now be diverting planes to a Madrid ‘Hub', but where possible flying direct to UK destinations. If you were planning to fly to the Madrid ‘Hub' for onward transfer to the UK, you should now contact your airline for the latest advice about available direct flights.

Help at Madrid Airport

British Embassy staff are currently on the ground at the airport, helping passengers to find the best way back to the UK. The team's immediate priority is working with airlines and tour operators to get people on the first available flights to the UK. The Embassy team will be reinforced by more staff later today.

Due to the earlier contingency planning, there is provision in place to allow access to up to 150 coaches in and around Madrid. The government are urgently assessing with the travel industry and consular teams on the ground in Madrid how best to use this capability to assist British Nationals.

Help at Calais Port

An FCO and UKBA team is on the ground, helping passengers who are arriving at Calais Port. As well as Calais, travellers should also continue to make their way to other Channel ports and other northern European ports. In addition to the Eurostar services to the UK from Paris and Lille, travellers arriving at Channel ports are advised that ferry companies are able to accommodate foot passengers.

If you are a British national requiring consular assistance or if you are concerned about a British national overseas call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice line on +44 (0)20 7008 0000. Or check for updates on the Foreign and Commonwealth website for advice for British nationals stranded overseas due to volcanic ash.

Those members of staff that are unable to return to work because of the volcanic ash cloud should check with their travel provider for the latest information. And, if at all possible please keep your line manager advised of your whereabouts on a daily basis.

If your trip was booked through the University of Reading procurement system, please use the following numbers:

Co-operative Travel +44 (0) 1952 200083

out of office number +44 (0) 203 130 964

Chelsea Travel +44 (0) 1737 646464

out of office number +44 (0) 1908 009 976

Ian Allan +44 (0) 1932 255500

out of office telephone number +44 (0) 1708 382103

Key Travel emergency number +44 (0) 161 819 8910

The University's insurance company, Zurich has issued the following statement:

We can confirm that the Travel policy is effective and will cover reasonable expenses incurred as a result of the disruption caused by the recent volcano incident as per the terms of the policy and this would include families.
You should refer to the policy for the full extent of cover and we will have to determine the costs of each claim individually when full details are known.

Information for students has been published here http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/student/student-news/std-serv-flights.aspx