Ash Cloud Crisis News
Number of travellers staying at on-airport hotels grows nearly 60%
Almost 60% more UK air travellers booked an on-airport hotel room with HolidayExtras.com between December 2009 and February 2010 compared to the same period last year - despite declining UK airport passenger numbers.
Travel & Tourism calls for governments to intervene in the face of the crisis
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) – the voice of the world’s 100 foremost Travel & Tourism leaders – has called for action to safeguard the health of the Travel & Tourism economy in light of continued travel disruption caused by volcanic ash.
Emirates prepares for wave of flights Into Europe
An Emirates spokesperson has announced that Emirates is preparing for a wave of flights into Europe with signs that the volcanic ash clouds that have plagued the region may be subsiding.
Avis Europe response to travel disruption volcanic cloud
Leading car rental company Avis Europe has announced several measures it is implementing across countries affected by the current air travel disruption caused by the volcanic cloud, to help ease the burden for many travellers.
UK airspace reopens following CAA decision
Following a decision by the Civil Aviation Authority to allow aircraft to operate in low density volcanic ash, National Air Traffic Services has removed restrictions on aviation activity in UK airspace. The decision ends six days of disruption, with the International Air Transport Association reporting costs could run to $1.7 billion.
BA jet lands safely at Heathrow
A British Airways flight has landed safely at Heathrow airport as UK airspace reopened after test flights proved planes can withstand volcanic ash, and the Civil Aviation Authority agreed to lift the blanket ban on airspace. Calling it a ‘situation without precedent’, the CAA added: “The major barrier has been understanding aircraft tolerance levels to ash.”
Ash crisis sparks fears of double dip recession
The ash cloud could not have come at a worse time for airlines. The industry is losing around $200m a day. How much longer can the crisis go on before its sparks a double-dip recession, and airlines start going to the wall? BTN’s resident vulcanologist Adam Coulter investigates.
BA, Ryanair, easyJet cancel departures
Following the latest information from National Air Traffic Services, British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair have decided to cancel short-haul departures in northern Europe today. British Airways, however, hopes to operate a number of long-haul services, while Ireland’s Ryanair has seen a number of flights depart in the south of Europe.
WTO calls for solidarity, as airlines question ban
The World Tourism Organisation has called for solidarity as the Icelandic volcanic ash crisis enters its sixth day. However, airlines in the UK – including British Airways and easyJet – have called for government support, as the IATA warns of the spiralling cost of the disaster.
ABTA welcomes airspace announcement, but getting back to normal will take time
ABTA, The Travel Association, welcomed the announcement of the initial lifting of the current air travel restrictions over UK air space.
Etihad to commence services to Iraq
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced it will commence flights from Abu Dhabi to Baghdad on April 26, subject to government and regulatory approvals, becoming the first airline in the UAE to fly to Iraq.
Second ash cloud causes aviation chaos
Plans to reopen British airspace to aviation traffic today are being hampered by a second ash cloud from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland. However, a limited number of flights are beginning operations in Scotland and Northern Ireland amid what remains a fluid situation.