Airlines change Japan schedules over nuclear radiation fears
Lufthansa has begun re-routing its Japan flights due to the threat of nuclear radiation following more explosions at power stations north of Tokyo.
The airline is re-routing its Tokyo flights to airports south of the capital, in Nagoya and Osaka.
Passengers with tickets purchased before yesterday (Tuesday) will be transported to and from their designated airport via train, bus or other ground transport.
Those who buy tickets after that time will have to make their own way.
Meanwhile, other airlines including Air France/KLM, Austrian Airlines and Qantas, have adapted their Japan schedules so that cabin crew do not have to stay overnight in Tokyo.
Flights are continuing to operate to Toyko but are being re-routed via Hong Kong or Seoul so that crew can stay in those cities to avoid disruption in the Japanese capital
At this time, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are continuing to operate their Japan flights as normal.
A BA spokesman said: “We continue to fly to Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports. We are in close contact with our local team and the relevant authorities and will keep the situation under review. We would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.”
A Virgin spokeswoman said: “We are currently operating a full flying programme to Narita airport but we continue to monitor the ongoing situation.”
Meanwhile, French nationals in Tokyo have been urged to leave the country or move south. Two Air France planes have been sent to help with the evacuation.
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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