Heathrow cancels flights ‘out of respect’ for Queen’s coffin procession

Further cancellations are expected on Monday when the Queen's funeral goes ahead

Flights at Heathrow Airport have been cancelled so they don't disturb the Queen's coffin procession on Tuesday and further changes are expected on the day of her funeral. "Appropriate alterations" will be made over the coming days "out of respect" for the mourning period, a spokesperson from the west London airport said. This includes flights being disrupted between 1.50pm and 3.40pm on Wednesday to "ensure silence over central London" as the ceremonial procession moves from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall ahead of her Majesty's funeral on Monday. British Airways has cancelled 16 short-haul flights due to the airspace restriction. Further flights are expected to be cancelled on Monday. https://twitter.com/HeathrowAirport/status/1569730237507813378 Heathrow airport said in a statement: "Passengers will be notified by their airlines directly of any changes to flights. "We anticipate further changes to the Heathrow operation on Monday September 19, when Her Majesty’s funeral is due to take place, and will communicate those in more detail over coming days." The statement went on to "apologise for the disruption these changes cause, as we work to limit the impact on the upcoming events." The Civil Aviation Authority has also imposed a restriction on airspace over central London which bans aircraft – including drones – flying below 2,500ft between September 9-19. Related links:

• Nearly half of British people say they cried over the Queen's death
• BBC to air Paddington films in honour of the Queen ahead of and on day of funeral
• Vanessa Feltz in heated clash with royal biographer for ‘fuelling anti-Meghan Markle faction’
• Man charged after Prince Andrew heckled during royal procession