Japan radiation fears force BA flight change

As the situation in Japan remains unstable, workers are still battling to restore the cooling systems at the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant, yesterday; residents of Tokyo were advised by officials that their tap water is not safe for babies less than 1 year to drink.

With fears about the radiation levels in Tokyo growing, British Airways is giving passengers with tickets to Tokyo the option of cancelling or altering their flights.

Despite commercial flights by airlines, such as BA, continuing to operate in and out of Tokyo, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is still advising against all non-essential travel to Tokyo and the North East of Japan and states that British nationals in these areas should consider leaving.

Travellers should be aware that if they choose to travel against Foreign and Commonwealth Office they will not be covered by their travel insurance policy.

British Airways is operating its flights to Tokyo via Seoul in South Korea to avoid crew staying overnight in Japan. Its services to Haneda airport will operate from Narita instead until March 27. Passengers booked to travel to and from Tokyo up to March 31 can claim a refund, re-book for a later date or switch to another destination if they bought their tickets before March 11. Those with tickets for travel from March 31 to April 10 can delay their flights or switch to another destination. Passengers due to travel in the upcoming weeks should check the status of their flights before travelling to the airport.

Travellers should visit the FCO website for the latest travel advice before departing on any trip.

If you are in Japan, the FCO has published information about a number of ways in which you can protect yourself from increased levels of radiation, for example by taking shelter, assessing water and food or, in certain circumstances, taking stable (non-radioactive) iodine.

For the latest information visit the FCO website
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/japan/

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