Queen Elizabeth II funeral: will there be disruptions at London airports ahead of Her Majesty’s funeral?

London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Stansted airport have confirmed whether their airports will be impacted ahead of Her Majesty’s funeral
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Today marks the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, with thousands of mourners from the UK, Commonwealth and people from around the world expected to arrive in London to pay respects.

London is home to both the busiest and second busiest airports, and with the heightened air traffic, there could be disruption

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It is estimated that the numbers will exceed the number of people that paid respects to the Queen Mother in 2002, although specific figures are not available.

All 2,000 seats will be filled in Westminster Abbey during the funeral, with prominent figures from all over the world attending, such as the president of the United States Joe Biden, and his wife Jill.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When is the Queen’s funeral?

Her Majesty’s state funeral will begin at 11am on Monday, 19 September. King Charles III announced that the day would also be a bank holiday.

Will London airports be affected?

Heathrow

Heathrow has announced that some flights will be disrupted on both Wednesday, 14 September and the day of the funeral.

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In a statement, released on their Twitter account they said: “Out of respect for the period of mourning following the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, some flights between 13:50–15:40 on Wed 14 Sept will be disrupted to ensure silence during the ceremonial procession.”

“Airlines will notify passengers directly of any flight changes.

“We anticipate further changes to the Heathrow operation on Mon 19 Sept, when Her Majesty’s funeral is due to take place. We will communicate more details over the coming days.

“We apologise for the disruption caused, as we work to limit the impact on the upcoming events.”

Gatwick

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A spokesperson for Gatwick airport said: “No operational impact expected at present, we are operating business as usual.”

Stansted Airport

A spokesperson for Stansted Airport said: "Just to advise the Airport will be operating business as usual in the run up to Her Majesty’s funeral on Monday."

"Stansted Express will be introducing an hourly night service from Wednesday 14th Sept night until Tuesday 19th Sept morning.

“This provides a 24 hour rail service during that period. Any passengers using coach to travel in and out of London should check with the operator directly to check on any service alterations as there may be some road closures in place in central London."

London City Airport

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Tweets from London City Airport say: “Out of respect for the period of mourning following the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, some flights this afternoon will be delayed to ensure silence during the ceremonial procession.

“Airlines will notify passengers directly of any changes. We anticipate further changes to London City Airport’s operation on Mon, 19 Sept, when Her Majesty’s funeral is due to take place. We will communicate more details over the coming days.”

They also issue advice, saying: “Due to commemorative events during the mourning period of Her Majesty the Queen, transport networks are expected to be busier than usual. Please allow extra time for your journey to/from the airport and plan ahead”

Luton Airport

A spokeperson for the Airport said: “For background, as London Luton Airport is situated north of London, our flight paths won’t be impacted.

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“Whilst we are expecting minimal disruption, details on any possible operational impact in relation to Her Majesty’s funeral on Monday 19 September will be confirmed over the coming days.

Passengers travelling to the airport should contact their airlines directly for updates on any possible scheduling changes.”