Heathrow Airport officials announced the cancellation of over 100 flights to ensure silence during key moments of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

The decision was taken not to disturb the two minutes of silence that will take place throughout the country at the end of the memorial service at Westminster Abbey. As a result, no planes will take off or land from Heathrow between 11:40 AM and 12:10 PM Monday, 19 September. 

Out of respect for Her Majesty The Queen, Heathrow, NATS and airlines, will make appropriate changes to their operations to avoid noise disruption for the State Funeral at Westminster Abbey and the Committal Service at Windsor Castle on Monday 19 September 2022. (1/3)

— Heathrow Airport (@HeathrowAirport) September 15, 2022

Later, between 1:45 PM and 2:20 PM, when the caravan with the coffin will be on its way to Windsor Castle, there will be no arrivals at Heathrow. 

Between 3:05 PM and 4:45 PM, while the procession will be heading for St. George’s Church at Windsor Castle, no planes will take off when the funeral mass is taking place there.

In addition, from 4:45 PM to 9:00 PM, the number of departures from Heathrow will be reduced, and flights will be directed to other air corridors further from Windsor Castle. 

British Airways will be the most impacted by these last-minute modifications, with around 100 short-haul cancellations.

Heathrow Airport introduced similar restrictions on Wednesday, 14 September, in an effort not to interfere with the ceremonial discharge of the coffin with the body of Elizabeth II from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster.

Image: Caroline Byczynski

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen