Weather & Technical Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

[pug]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

I find it strange how both MME and DSA have been closed all day... Peel not coping with snow or just excuses so not having to spend money on de-icing?

 

[White Heather]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

Perhaps they thought it hardly worthwhile clearing their awfully long runway, just to watch it snow on it again whilst they had their awfully long wait for an aircraft to arrive. Since they only had 3 or 4 arrivals yesterday , it is maybe more cost effective to just leave it! I noticed that they lost their Wizz Warsaw flight yesterday morning but didn't see what happened to their evening Poznan flight or the delayed TOM flight due back in the early hours of this morning (by which time it was probably snowing again!).

Newcastle had a second divert from Alicante yesterday besides the one from LBA (although LBA was actually open by the time it arrived). Was that from DSA?

 

[Aviador]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

Sorry I couldn't help myself....it's just a bit of fun but I think I can get away with it here as most of the DSA lot tend to spend their time on the fraternity site. :smile: I was wondering what sort of PR we would be having up the road here at LBA had the LBA management slumped to the same level as that seen by the management at DSA.

If the Leeds PR team were to copy the dribble we have got used to seeing from the DSA management, would we be seeing a press release something like this....?

Today Leeds Bradford International Airport received several inbound diversions after severe snowfalls affected much of the country. Despite also suffering from large falls of snow, Leeds Bradford remained open with only minimal disruption. In comparison Robin Hood airport in South Yorkshire was unable to clear the snow sufficiently to enable any of the airports four scheduled flights to land or take off. Unlike Leeds Bradford, Doncaster suffers somewhat during the winter from heavy snow brought in by easterly winds.

fictional

Pun intended.

 

[backtrack]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

Sorry I couldn't help myself....it's just a bit of fun but I think I can get away with it here as most of the DSA lot tend to spend their time on the fraternity site. :smile: I was wondering what sort of PR we would be having up the road here at LBA had the LBA management slumped to the same level as that seen by the management at DSA.

If the Leeds PR team were to copy the dribble we have got used to seeing from the DSA management, would we be seeing a press release something like this....?

Today Leeds Bradford International Airport received several inbound diversions after severe snowfalls affected much of the country. Despite also suffering from large falls of snow, Leeds Bradford remained open with only minimal disruption. In comparison Robin Hood airport in South Yorkshire was unable to clear the snow sufficiently to enable any of the airports four scheduled flights to land or take off. Unlike Leeds Bradford, Doncaster suffers somewhat during the winter from heavy snow brought in by easterly winds.

fictional

Pun intended.

Best bit..."was unable to clear the snow sufficiently to enable any of the airports four scheduled flights to land or take off"

 

[White Heather]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations



Just imagine how much apron space and taxiways they have to clear of snow and ice, simply to stand them empty all day! You can't blame them really for not bothering, but no doubt Peel would be able to put some spin on such as the following:

'Despite the Arctic Weather conditions being experienced nationally which has resulted in the closure of virtually all UK Airports due to heavy snow, Doncaster Sheffield Airport is pleased to report that it has managed to keep diversions from the airport to only 4 flights today. This very favourably compares to its nearest neighbour, Leeds Bradford Airport, which, due to its high location, severe crosswinds and incredibly short runway, suffered numerous diversions and extremely long delays. A spokesperson for Doncaster Sheffield Airport explained 'This shows that here at Doncaster, even when we don't bother to actually clear the airport runway of snow, we are still able to keep disruption to a minimum. Passengers should continue to check in as usual for their flights but are asked to bring a shovel with them in order to dig themselves into the terminal area'


(Sorry Aviador - great idea of yours and I couldn't resist either!!)

 

[backtrack]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

"Bring a shovel with them" hahahahaha

 

[Seasider]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

I always thought that members on this forum didn't go in for "slagging off" other airports. If we are aviation enthusiasts we should want ALL airports to flourish.

 

[White Heather]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

It is just a bit of fun Seasider, but personally speaking I do not want DSA to flourish if it results in a downturn in the success of LBA or HUY, both of which have been there long before DSA. That is just my opinion.

There was much opposition to DSA within the aviation industry as it was known that all it would do would be to pull traffic away from other airports. In the case of LBA, they had just managed to win their various battles with the local authority and government and start to catch up, then DSA come along and offer a deal that Thomsons couldn't refuse. That might be good for South Yorkshire but those of us up here, who had waited many years for an airport to be proud of, were none too pleased to find TOM going down the road and closing their LBA base. So it is hardly suprising that DSA is not the favourite airport amongst some people in these parts. Forums are for people to express their opinions - I don't see why we have to pretend to support a particular airport if we don't agree to it being there in the first place?

Incidentally I have every sympathy for the people at DSA who might lose their jobs due to the situation there (which was forecast years ago at the public enquiry), but lets remember that the jobs they create are almost certainly costing jobs at other airports in the region.

The above posts are however not aimed at saying that we want DSA to fail as such, but they are aimed at Peel Holdings who waste no opportunity to have a go at LBA due to its position, in an obvious attempt to undermine our airport. If they wish to play that game then personally I have no qualms at all about having a bit of fun at their expense. I am sure that on the DSA forum they will do exactly the same about LBA.

 

[pug]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

One good point is that n tuesday HUY was the only airport to be open in the region at some point. I would question how HUY can cope better with this weatherbetter than MME and DSA in particular?

No one is having a real pop at DSA but as WH says, there was particularly strong and realistic opposition to the airport which was brushed under the carpet due to manipulation and back handers. The market is saturated now. I wish them well with EZY and hope it works well for them, it just doesnt strike me as a full committment.

 

[Aviador]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

I always thought that members on this forum didn't go in for "slagging off" other airports. If we are aviation enthusiasts we should want ALL airports to flourish.

I fully agree but I felt that this quote from the previous page needed addressing and in a light hearted way of course.

[textarea]

Mike Morton said Doncaster had been better able to cope than Leeds because of the north to south direction of the runway, which made it less vulnerable to cross winds when pilots were carrying out instrument landings.

[/textarea]

Notably the DSA spin doctor stayed quiet this week when 'the boot was on the other foot!'

 

[User0001]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

Seasider wrote:
I always thought that members on this forum didn't go in for "slagging off" other airports. If we are aviation enthusiasts we should want ALL airports to flourish.
I agree.

Post authorised by Aviador at 22:37.

Thank you for your input 'guest', everyone's opinions are respected and gratefully received here.

 

[pug]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

I agree in part mr 'guest' but i hope you are not part of the fraternity forum who hate any news except good news for DSA? Everyone is entitled to their opinions and foruns are there for that reason, to not allow an opinion is pathetic.... \im sure people will know what i mean.

 

[Aviador]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

In my original post I was merely suggesting that I thought it was a shame that the DSA spin doctor had resorted to attacking the neighbouring Leeds airport rather than putting a spin on their own particular situation. The DSA press release could have just said "At DSA 'only four' flights were effected by the snow", or "no flights were effected by adverse weather" but instead they resorted to silly comments about the LBA runway.

If anyone has anything to say here in support of DSA, you are more than welcome.

 

[White Heather]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

I wish them well with EZY and hope it works well for them, it just doesnt strike me as a full committment.

Well based on Easyjet this week, who appear to have cancelled the vast majority of their flights at all their snow affected airports, it will still not be a worthwhile exercise clearing the runways at Donny next winter. Easyjet seem to just pack in as soon as the snow appears, cancelling everything up front, whereas Jet2 do at least wait and see and try to provide some sort of service.

 

[lbaspotter]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

In my original post I was merely suggesting that I thought it was a shame that the DSA spin doctor had resorted to attacking the neighbouring Leeds airport rather than putting a spin on their own particular situation. The DSA press release could have just said "At DSA 'only four' flights were effected by the snow", or "no flights were effected by adverse weather" but instead they resorted to silly comments about the LBA runway.

If anyone has anything to say here in support of DSA, you are more than welcome.

All Members please take note

The problem is that people who do support DSA do not feel welcome to post on here at the moment. Yeh I’m not a big DSA fan but I like to see the place do well. Also I'm a member of the fraternity forum you all mention. Which is not a bad as some people think on here? As you know I’m a big supporter of LBA. As this is where I grew up and it will always be my first choice.

But in a sense this slagging off has to stop, and its got stop now. Otherwise is going to be never ending and its going to get out of hand and as you know there may well be repercussions. DSA is here, It's been here now 4 years and by the looks of it its here to stay. Get over it!
Hopefully both airports will continue to grow along side each other as if you all remember Yorkshire is the biggest county in the country and is still well underserved by the airlines. Both airports will still have its own set of supporters and forums. This will never stop!
But we on here now have stop and think. Do we really want this forum to go down hill and be known as a slagging ground for LBA and DSA die hard’s, or do we want this friendlily forum to grow. This is what we have to consider guys and girls.

Please let me know what you think as i know some people will not like what i've just said on here. Also lets see how we can put this to bed once and for all and try and get DSA supporters to come on here and be part of this group, "It not that hard really!"

End off.

 

[pug]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

I agree to some extent Lbaspotter, this forum should be open to anyone with any opinions. Unfortunately none seem to be forthcoming. I know we have a dig at the 'fraternity' site but that is meant in jest (by me anyway). Obviously some posters on there seem to be averse to alternative opinions which is fair enough to a certain extent as it is a DSA forum, i do fear that they dont like to post elsewhere however as some of the main posters dont like negative views, whilst people supporting say HUY or LBA can take negative views. Its a strange phenomina realy...

This forum is open to people defending DSA but there seems to be none forthcoming, that shoukldnt mean we should have to hold back on our opinions. It is clear that still Peel are pissing alot of people off, not least people of Sheffield who lost a very good airport out of all this. Its not something some of us can just forget about.

I say again i wish them luck with Easyjet, i shall be using them myself, it could be the best thing to happen to DSA or it could be the deciding factor, all depends how well it does.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

Well based on Easyjet this week, who appear to have cancelled the vast majority of their flights at all their snow affected airports, it will still not be a worthwhile exercise clearing the runways at Donny next winter. Easyjet seem to just pack in as soon as the snow appears, cancelling everything up front, whereas Jet2 do at least wait and see and try to provide some sort of service.

Heather,

I have done a couple of posts in the easyJet thread in the Airlines section of this mb about easyJet's apparent reluctance to fly, and it's not always when there is snow around.

Several people in the Fruit message board have been discussing it as well.

 

[White Heather]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

Thanks Local Yokel - obviously this thing with Easyjet has not gone un-noticed then. I am sure they never used to be so reluctant to fly as soon as their programme of flights was subject to disruption and if they carry on as they are doing, they will potentially lose an awful lot of customers.

As for DSA and the comments above by LBASpotter - I think that we need to make it clear that the comments being raised are not generally 'slagging off' DSA for the sake of it but they are having a joke at the expense of Peel Holdings who own it. Not too long ago there were comments about DSA that were quite supportive and bemoaning the fact that it was losing flights and passengers. As far as I am concerned the situation changed when Peel Holdings started to try and cover for their own failures by making comments aimed at LBA, which in my view were unprofessional in the extreme. If they do that, then I do not think it unreasonable for people to express their annoyance and the above posts are doing so in a very lighthearted way.

The fact that DSA supporters will not come on the forum because it gets slagged off seems to be a bit sillyto me. If I go on another forum and they are slagging off my airport I defend it and state why they are wrong. Surely DSA supporters should be coming on here and defending their airport, stating their views, or even potentially agreeing on some issues. I cannot imagine that they are all happy with the progress made or the goings on with the owners. Surely such general discussion in a frendly and light hearted way is what forums are about? I have seen nothing on here that is nasty or vindictive - simply humour playing on the way Peel have behaved towards LBA. I think that both Aviador and myself were playing on that rather than slagging off the airport.

Personally I would love to see people come on here and post their views and defend their airport and if they don't agree with comments made, then say so, but I cannot see that trying to gag the forum users from expressing an opinion either way will do anything for the forum. Nor do I agree that just because we are Aviation Enthusiasts we should wish all airports to be succesful. My first priority is LBA, pure and simple and since DSA and MAN are the two airports that pinch most of our passengers they are my least favourite airports. I would welcome MAN losing flights if LBA secures them as it did with PIA and I think most LBA supporters would say the same. MAN doesn't get the same comments as DSA though probably because MAN doesn't stoop to snide comments aimed at LBA, nor did it open with the specific intention of removing passengers from surrounding airports which DSA most certainly did. Living in Leeds, I don't like that but if I lived in Doncaster I probably would and I would be on here defending it

Sorry that I cannot agree on this one, but there is no reason why everyone should agree on a forum. As for the Fraternity forum, I have nerver commened on it as I have never taken part in it. I am sure it suits many people just fine and does a good job.

 

[White Heather]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

Just as an afterthought to the above, I would also point out that despite the support given to LBA by many on this forum, there have also been numerous posts which slag off various aspects of LBA also, particularly the Ground Handling issues, facilities and web site. So, it is not just a case of having a go at DSA - we have a go at LBA too where there are issues to be raised

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Re: Diversions, Delays & Cancellations

I'm with Heather on this in the sense that being selfish I would always want as much choice from the airport that was most convenient to me.

I'm also aware that a bouyant local airport is a great aid to the local economy generally, despite what environmentalists and fellow travellers might say.

There may be occasions when my favoured airport cannot handle some flights (insufficient runway for example) in which case, still being selfish, I would want such flights to operate from the most convenient airport to me that could handle them.