7 Nov : Disruption at LHR - runway lighting failure
Nov 6, 2018, 9:46 pm
#16
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 532
. A3589/18 NOTAMN
Q) EGTT/QMOXX/IV/B /A /000/999/5129N00028W005
A) EGLL B) 1811070700 C) 1811072359
E)
DUE TO A LIGHTING FAULT, RUNWAY GUARD BARS FOR BOTH RWY 09R/27L AND
09L/27R WILL BE UNAVAILABLE. RUNWAY GUARD AMBERS PROTECTING ENTRY
POINTS WILL STILL BE AVAILABLE.
Q) EGTT/QMOXX/IV/B /A /000/999/5129N00028W005
A) EGLL B) 1811070700 C) 1811072359
E)
DUE TO A LIGHTING FAULT, RUNWAY GUARD BARS FOR BOTH RWY 09R/27L AND
09L/27R WILL BE UNAVAILABLE. RUNWAY GUARD AMBERS PROTECTING ENTRY
POINTS WILL STILL BE AVAILABLE.
(Oddly the notam ‘starts’ at 0700..)
Nov 6, 2018, 10:07 pm
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE1, London
Posts: 23,441
It looks long haul flight are on the move but staggered to reduce the arrival volume. I imagine shorthaul will be a mess.
Novelty to have a root cause that isn’t the weather or BA’s incompetence. 😂
Novelty to have a root cause that isn’t the weather or BA’s incompetence. 😂
Nov 6, 2018, 11:34 pm
#21
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,203
Inbound delays are now low. Might be some knock on rotational delays and the odd canx throughout the day. From what I understand the whole lot went (lighting wise) precluding any pre sunrise arrivals or delays.
Runway guard bars are not the be all and end all for ops, especially in CAT1 weather or better. These are the red lights you see right by the runway when taxiing out for departure. The also appear at certain points on the ground to act as a final visual clue to stop and go no further until onwards clearance has been received and the lights extinguished. Of course if they are failed on, it causes more of a headache, especially for ATC as we are forbidden to cross them without a very clear and specific clearance to do so. This just makes the whole process of lining up to depart more time consuming.
Runway guard bars are not the be all and end all for ops, especially in CAT1 weather or better. These are the red lights you see right by the runway when taxiing out for departure. The also appear at certain points on the ground to act as a final visual clue to stop and go no further until onwards clearance has been received and the lights extinguished. Of course if they are failed on, it causes more of a headache, especially for ATC as we are forbidden to cross them without a very clear and specific clearance to do so. This just makes the whole process of lining up to depart more time consuming.
Last edited by Sigwx; Nov 6, 2018 at 11:40 pm
Nov 6, 2018, 11:40 pm
#22
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 2,221
Based on the information in the NOTAM, I was a little concerned, as shorthaul bears the brunt of cancellations in these situations. Thankfully, my BA920 is showing on time, although not due to leave until 16:10. Hopefully, there won't be any knock on effects. Does anybody know if any of the early ex EU flights were delayed leaving?
Nov 6, 2018, 11:43 pm
#23
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 698
While your suggestion is helpful, it will never work when delays happen to flights and passengers on them can't connect to wifi etc.
Nov 7, 2018, 2:55 am
#28
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: FLR
Programs: BA Gold, LH Sen, FB Gold
Posts: 504
Nov 7, 2018, 3:13 am
#29
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Flatland
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold 1MM, BA Gold, UA Peon
Posts: 6,111
To be slightly pedantic, the incoming flight is due to land about 15:15 so it's about a 2h30m turnaround for the aircraft; the 90 minutes delay to the departure plus the difference between the late arrival from Chennai and the scheduled departure to JNB. Might still need wipes 
Also, thanks to Sigwx for the updates on the situation.
Also, thanks to Sigwx for the updates on the situation.