Leading travel insurance website, insurewithease.com, is offering advice for travellers who may be facing delays or cancellations as a result of the volcanic ash drifting towards the UK from Iceland and disrupting flights to and from virtually every UK airport.

“With many families likely to be heading back to the UK in the next day or so from Easter breaks, it is possible that they could face disruption as a result of the volcanic ash drifting towards the UK,” confirmed Paul Byrne, CEO, insurewithease.com.

“In the first instance, they should contact their airline or tour operator – most likely they will rearrange or refund flights.  If travellers have already checked in for their flights, they may be covered under their travel insurance policy, under the travel delay section. But this will be subject to the Terms and Conditions of each policy.  So it’s important to check with your travel insurer if you are at all unsure about what’s covered.

“In addition, for families and individuals who have bought a single trip insurance policy and are delayed for more than a day, they may be concerned that their cover will expire before they return.  This certainly won’t be the case with insurewithease.com policies.  We will extend cover for any policyholders stranded abroad until they arrive home.”

The Air Traffic Control Service (Nats), imposed restrictions after the Met Office warned ash could damage engines.  All of Scotland’s airports were shut earlier today and there are currently disruptions at others including Gatwick, Manchester, Liverpool, Stansted, Newcastle, Birmingham, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford and Cardiff. All flights have also been suspended at Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport, with some flights in and out of Dublin airport also hit.  Passengers have been advised to contact their airlines prior to travel.

“In a case like this, the airlines and tour operators take the first responsibility to rearrange flights”, concluded Paul Byrne.