Things have rapidly changed as the aviation conditions are detoreating because of the volcanic activity in Iceland. More ash from the volcanic eruption from the Eyjafjallajokull glacier is playing havoc with travel plans in northern Europe.
President Obama cancelled the travel because of the hazardous flying conditions. Lee Feinstein, the U.S. ambassador to Poland would represent the United States at Sunday’s service in Krakow.
Volcanic ash is a no-go hazard to jet engines. Commercial pilots must detour the area.
“The skies are totally empty over Europe,” said veteran Montana KTVQ-TV weatherman Marc Moraniec.
The White House announcement came about six hours before Obama was scheduled to
depart on the overnight flight. Obama called Poland’s acting president, Bronislaw
Komorowski, with the news, that the trip was off. The fallout from the Iceland volcano is
creating havoc with many more than heads of state.
Hazardous conditions have shut down many airports, cleared airspace and stranded passengers across Europe. Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper had already cancelled their official delegation because of the atmospheric circumstances.
House Republican Leader John Boehner of Ohio asked McCotter to attend the funeral.
President Lech Kaczynski, his wife, Maria Kaczynska, and more than 90 others died April 10, when their plane crashed in dense fog on a trip to Russia for the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre. This was supposed to be a healing ceremony from when the Soviets executed about 22,000 Poles during World War II.
McCotter, the fourth-ranking Republican in the House, represents the 11th Congressional District, which has many Polish-American residents. In fact Livonia, Michigan was named for an area in present day Latvia-Estonia but was traditionally ethnic Poland. The lawmaker co-chairs the House Central and Eastern European Caucus and is also on the Finance Committee.
Said McCotter, “”With solemn humility, I extend the heartfelt condolences of House Republicans as a member of President Obama’s United States delegation to Poland for the state funeral of President (Lech) Kaczynski.”
Said Quigley, “While I wish we were travelling under happier circumstances, it is a privilege to voice my respects. “I extend my own heartfelt sympathies for this overwhelming loss, but the condolences and support of many grieving constituents who also are not able to make the trip. We will stand with our friend and ally Poland as they find the resilience to emerge stronger, as they have before, following this unthinkable event.”
White House spokesman Bill Burton said the ash from a volcano in Iceland that is grounding flights across Europe was not expected to interfere with the president’s travel plans. “Air Force One pilots feel they can safely get around the ash cloud,” he said.
This all changed Sunday morning.
Krakow’s John Paul II airport near the village of Balice was closed this weekend, but a spokeswoman said it was still preparing to receive world leaders Sunday. The state funeral took place at Wawel Castle in Krakow.
Poland air control closed the airspace over the airport in Krakow, where world leaders are scheduled to attend the funeral of the late Polish President on April 18. “It’s too early to say how long the closure will last,” said Justyna Zajaczkowska, a spokeswoman for the John Paul II airport.
Aviation alerts have been posted in weather briefings to pilots.
Presently, all airlines have canceled flights between Europe and Detroit Metropolitan Airport because of the lingering volcanic cloud from Iceland. Also, flights from Europe and Chicago O’Hair have been cancelled. Normally, there are about 200 flights between the U.S. and Europe daily.
Delta Air Lines, Air France and Lufthansa began canceling flights Friday between Detroit and four European cities Paris, Amsterdam, London and Frankfurt.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport issued an announcement that all inbound flights from Europe to DTW have been canceled.
Airlines are waiving cancellation and rebooking fees for passengers grounded at Metro Airport. Airline call centers are overwhelmed and it is better to try and rebook online.
Said Nomads Captain Bruce Heiss, “If you don’t have to go to Europe in the next few days, you should probably consider canceling your trip.” Heiss is a 35 year commercial veteran and experienced Trans-Atlantic flyer. It is unclear when European air traffic will resume, but travelers can find more information at www.eurocontrol.int.
Passengers who are scheduled to fly to Europe or pick up arriving travelers should also check with the airlines first on cancellations before making the trip to the airport.
When the President Obama travels, if he flies in an Air Force jet, the plane is called Air Force One. Technically, Air Force One is the call sign of any Air Force aircraft carrying the President.
In practice the current Air Force One is a modified Boeing 747-200 series. Cockpit and cabin crew are Air Force personnel.
Capable of refueling midair, Air Force One has unlimited range and can carry the President wherever he needs to travel. Air Force One is equipped with advanced communications equipment, allowing the aircraft to function as a mobile command center.
Inside, the President and his travel companions enjoy 4,000 square feet of floor space on three levels, including an extensive suite for the President that features a large office, lavatory, and conference room. Air Force One includes a medical suite that can function as an operating room, and a doctor is permanently on board. The plane’s two food preparation galleys can feed 100 people at a time.
Air Force One also has quarters for those who accompany the President, including senior advisors, Secret Service officers, traveling press, and other guests. Several cargo planes typically fly ahead of Air Force One to provide the President with services needed such as ground transportation.
Air space across a wide area from Britain to Ukraine was closed and set to stay that way.
This will have an effect on airports from New Zealand all the way to San Francisco.
The Kaczynski family stated thru a Polish government spokesperson that they did not want to delay the memorial services.
(Raymond Rolak is a Michigan based aviation consultant)