World Leaders Implored to Fly Commercial Airlines to London For Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral

According to a document sent to world leaders by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the British government urged heads of state to come to London for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

Ahead of the funeral on Monday, 19th September, the FCDO has asked heads of state to leave their private jets and military planes at home and use commercial airlines to travel to the airport.

Foreign governments have been told that private jets will not be allowed at the airport if flying commercial isn't possible.

Private flights will be diverted to less busy airports around London after the FCDO told foreign embassies that the airport is often used by large Boeing jumbo jets belonging to Sheikhs and ruling families.

There will be no helicopter transfers from these airports according to the document.

Private and commercial flights may need to divert from the intended airport of arrival, according to the FCDO.

Visiting foreign officials who choose to arrive in London on a commercial flight will be taken from the plane door to a special terminal in a luxury car.

The Windsor Suite is a special terminal at the airport that is separated from the rest of the airport.

Some countries will be exempt from the strict travel protocol due to security concerns. The US President is expected to arrive in Britain on Air Force One with a full delegation.

In the run-up to the royal funeral, flights are expected to be busy at the airport, but it is not yet known how this will affect air traffic.

In a statement, the airport said it was grateful to have shared many key milestones with Queen Elizabeth II during her life, including welcoming her warmly in 1952 when she returned from Africa.

As an international flight attendant, Maszczynski worked at the most prominent airline in the Middle East and has been flying for a well-known European airline. He is an expert in passenger experience and human-centered stories. Some of the biggest names in journalism rely on Matt's industry insights, analysis and news coverage often.