terrorist attac

Update Wed. Sept. 12, 6:05 am Tokyo time


Quick summary for those who haven't been reading my Blatherings...Jeff and I were scheduled to fly back to Toronto today, but Air Canada (like many other airlines, I'm sure) has suspended operations because of recent events. Alison says we're welcome to stay at her place...I shudder to think of what it might have been like if we had been in a hotel; there will undoubtedly be many stranded tourists in Japan over the next few days, I'm sure. I'll be posting updates on our situation when I learn more.


FYI, :

here are some news links related to the terrorist attack on the U.S..


Air Canada is posting updates on its official Web site. The current update says:



Air Canada Issues Statement


MONTREAL, Sept. 11 /CNW/ - In response to today's events, Air Canada issued the following statement:


Today's tragic events are deeply felt throughout the entire airline community. The people of Air Canada convey their heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of passengers and crew on board the United Airlines and American Airlines flights as well as all victims of attacks in the United States today. Air Canada has extended an offer of assistance to its airline industry colleagues during this difficult time.


Air Canada confirms that one of the aircraft that crashed today, United Airlines flight UA93 bound for San Francisco CA from Newark NJ, was also operated as Air Canada codeshare flight AC4085. Air Canada further confirms that according to its internal records, no Air Canada customers were booked to travel on that flight. Final confirmation will be provided upon release of passenger information by U.S. authorities and United Airlines.


Air Canada has suspended operations until further notice and continues to monitor the situation as it develops. The airline will issue further press releases, available on the airline's website, www.aircanada.ca, providing the status of its operations as information becomes available.


Updated: Tuesday, September 11, 2001 16:15 EST





Air Canada advises customers not to present themselves at airports


MONTREAL, Sept. 11 /CNW/ - Air Canada advises customers not to present themselves at airports following today's suspension of operations.


All customers affected by the suspension of operations will be re-accommodated on later flights, without penalty to discounted ticket holders, when operations resume.


Air Canada continues to monitor the situation as it develops, and will issue further press releases, available on the airline's website, www.aircanada.ca, providing the status of its operations as information becomes available.


Updated: Tuesday, September 11, 2001 14:30 EST




I had woken this morning, hoping all of it had been a bad dream. :-( Please feel free to comment on the situation in Blatherchat.

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Update Wed. Sept. 12, 1 am Tokyo time

Looks like we're not going home today. :-( See Air Canada site for the current news, but the current update reads:



Air Canada Suspends Operations


MONTREAL, Sept. 11 /CNW/ - Due to the evolving situation in the United

States today, Air Canada advises that as a precautionary measure it has

suspended all flight departures system wide, including those of its regional

airlines, effective immediately.


Air Canada flights currently airborne en route to the United States are

being returned to Canada as a precautionary measure. All flights currently

airborne en route to other international destinations will continue on to

their final destination.


All customers affected by the suspension of operations will be re-

accommodated on later flights, without penalty to discounted ticket holders,

when operations resume.


Air Canada continues to monitor the situation as it develops, and will

issue further press releases providing the status of its operations as

information becomes available.



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Just a quick Blathering...Jeff, Alison and I are here in front of the tv in Tokyo, feeling sick to our stomachs as we watch the New York/Washington terrorist attack coverage. We wanted friends/family to know that we're not sure about the situation with our flight home (it's possible it may be a few days depending on the airport/flight situation, and that we're unable to get international calls out right now). More info later when we know more.


Our hearts go out to the families of those involved in this terrible tragedy. :-(


Debbie