Biman delays London flights

Rome-bound flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Ltd scheduled for today might also be delayed just as two London-bound flights were delayed because of the volcanic ash-linked factors, Biman sources said yesterday.
All London-bound flights of other airlines from the capital's Hazrat Shajalal International Airport have been cancelled for the same reasons, airport sources said.
Meanwhile, millions of air travellers have been stranded across Europe due to cancellation of thousands of flights since Wednesday when Eyjafjallajoekull volcano in Iceland began erupting.
Abdul Mamdud Khan, general manager (flight operations) of the national flag carrier said last night, "We did not cancel any flight but delayed two London-bound flights for around 40 hours."
"If the situation does not improve, we might cancel those flights," he said when contacted.
There is a possibility of delaying the Rome-bound Biman flight as the authorities of airports concerned are yet to give us clearance, Mamdud said.
Around 900 passengers of the three scheduled flights have been informed about the delay and asked to stay home, he added.
Of the two London-bound flights, one was to take off at 7:45 am yesterday but now it is rescheduled for April 19. The other flight, scheduled for today, has been delayed by at least 24 hours,
"We are in touch with the airport authorities in London and Rome over the latest situation. Once we get clearance, we will inform Biman passengers," Mamdud said.
The disruption from the spread of ash would continue into Sunday, European aviation agency Eurocontrol said.
"Forecasts suggest that the cloud of volcanic ash will persist and that the impact will continue for at least the next 24 hours," it said in a statement yesterday.