Ash Cloud Crisis News
UK airspace reopens as ash cloud dissipates
Airspace in the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic has reopened as volcanic ash levels drop. However, the Civil Aviation Authority has warned the latest round of disruption could be just the start of an ongoing problem.
New ash cloud closes further UK airports
The Civil Aviation Authority has warned volcanic ash from Iceland remains a threat to UK airspace, as more airports suspend operations. Glasgow, Edinburgh and Belfast Airports are all presently closed, with warnings disruption may spread to north of England later today.
Scottish and Northern Irish airports closed
The Civil Aviation Authority has closed a number of airports in Scotland and Northern Ireland as the risk from volcanic ash continues to grow across the UK. The latest disruption comes as European Union transport ministers meet in Brussels to discuss how best to deal with future volcanic eruptions.
Flights resume following ash threat
Flights from Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic have resumed following a brief application of airspace restrictions earlier this morning. Aer Lingus, Ryanair and easyJet are attempting to return services to normal, with thousands of passengers anxiously waiting at airports.
Fresh ash ban strikes UK airspace
National Air Traffic Services has closed airspace in west Scotland and Northern Ireland until at least 13:00 today, with ash from Eyjafjallajökull again posing a threat to commercial aircraft. Airspace is also closed over Ireland, with the IAA expecting airports to reopen later today.
Quarter of Brits hit by Ash crisis - but most think Nats was right
Almost 3 million British adults were directly affected by the recent closure of UK airports, according to new research.
Flybe launches latest ‘Book with Confidence’ measure to get Britain Back on the move
Flybe, the UK’s Number One Domestic airline, has become the first airline in the world to offer its passengers the opportunity to buy separate Volcanic Ash Insurance underwritten by their travel insurance partner, Chartis.
Airlines slash prices in wake of volcanic disruption
Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.net) encourages travellers to bag a bargain as airlines initiate a frenzy of special offers to support UK consumers whose holidays may have gone up in smoke.
Air fares set to soar after ash crisis
Airlines are likely to add more than $50 to the price of transatlantic tickets in a bid to recoup losses from the volcanic ash crisis and soaring oil prices. According to leading think tank, the Centre for Economics and Business Research, fares could rise by up to 5.2 per cent this year, and 6.3 per cent in 2011 and 2012.
EU hints at aid for airlines rocked by ash crisis
The European Union is to exert “maximum pressure” on airlines to compensate passengers caught up in the volcano ash disruptions, but has hinted that aid may be made available to help cash-strapped carriers overcome the crisis.
Ash backlog leaves hundreds stranded in airport basement
Hundreds of tourists remain stranded in the basement of Bangkok airport as airlines struggle to clear the backlog caused by the ash cloud crisis. The recent spate of civil disturbances also makes it safer to remain in the airport rather than staying at local hotels.
Branson urges government to compensate airlines
Virgin Atlantic boss Richard Branson has lashed out at the UK government for its handling of the ash crisis, saying it should pay compensation to airlines as there had been “no danger at all to flying”.