British Airways, Air France cancel U.S. flights
Saturday, January 31, 2004 Posted: 1916 GMT ( 3:16 AM HKT)
LONDON, England (CNN) -- British Airways and Air France grounded several upcoming flights to the United States on Saturday for security reasons in the wake of possible al Qaeda terror threats against U.S.-bound aircraft.
British Airways canceled Flight 223 from London's Heathrow Airport to Washington Dulles International Airport on Sunday and Monday, and Flight 207 from London's Heathrow to Florida's Miami International Airport on Sunday.
The return flights from Washington -- Flight 222 -- also will be canceled on both days, but the return flights from Miami will continue
The flights were canceled for security reasons on advice from the British government, an airline spokeswoman said.
Also Saturday, Air France canceled two Paris-to-Washington flights for security reasons, the airline said. The flights, both numbered 026, were scheduled to take off Sunday and Monday. The return flights, 027, have been canceled for operational reasons because the aircraft will not be available.
Flight 378 from Paris to Philadelphia International Airport also was canceled Saturday for operational reasons, according to the Air France Web site.
Spokeswomen from British Airways and Air France declined to elaborate further on the cancellations.
The moves come as U.S. officials again warn terrorists might be planning to target international flights to the United States. (Full story)
A senior administration official said Saturday the intelligence that prompted the latest warning gives precise threat information, including airlines, dates and flight numbers.
The intelligence mentioned Air France and British Airways flights to the United States as well as British Airways Flight 223 specifically. That flight was canceled twice in early January based on previous intelligence from an informant and other sources.
Last month, similar threats prompted the cancellation of three Air France flights to Los Angeles, California, on Christmas Eve and Christmas. The return flights were canceled for operational reasons.
At the time, the U.S. national terror threat level was at orange, or high, the color-coded alert system. The threat level has since been lowered to yellow, or elevated.
British Airways said Flight 207 would have carried 350 passengers and Flight 223 about 170 passengers. Those passengers are being rerouted.
Britain's Department for Transport, which advises the airline on security matters, issued a statement on the cancellations:
"Aviation security is being kept under review at all times. In the light of information received, and in discussion with the airline, the decision was made that these flights should be canceled," the agency said.
"Aviation security measures are adjusted from time to time, and occasional cancellations may be necessary. The first priority is always the safety of the traveling public."
Also Saturday, a burning smell caused a Virgin Atlantic Airways flight from London to New York to return to Heathrow as a safety precaution more than two hours after it took off, the airline said. (Full story)
The flight was headed to John F. Kennedy International Airport. Passengers were put on later flights.
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