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06/05/2010
UK Airports Open But How Long Will It Last?
Airports across the UK have reopened after the latest disruption to airspace caused by volcanic ash.
The ash cloud moved west overnight and has cleared UK airspace, air traffic control body Nats said.
Airspace over Scotland and Northern Ireland was shut overnight after levels of volcanic ash had made it too unsafe to fly.
Although airports have reopened there is still little comfort to holidaymakers who may face this ash cloud misery all summer. Air chiefs have admitted the Icelandic volcano shows no signs of letting up.
The Met Office said activity from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano has increased and there were also fears it could trigger neighbouring volcano Katla.
The Civil Aviation Authority warned ash from the volcano could disrupt services over the summer months.
"It will depend on whether the volcano is still erupting and what the weather looks like," a spokesman said.
"We don’t know how long it will go on erupting. Some volcanologists are saying it could be months, which could disrupt British airspace."
The Icelandic volcano is volatile because it is erupting under an ice cap, Dr Dougal Jerram of Durham University said.
"It’s like throwing some menthol into a cola bottle and it makes the airport situation very unstable," he added.
Meanwhile victims of the ash imposed flight restrictions are being warned over the circulation of a hoax email.
The Scam Detectives, who uncovered the email, have said at the moment the latest target of online fraudsters are travellers who found themselves stranded by the volcanic ash cloud.
The e-mails claim they are from the Civil Aviation Authority, and say travellers affected can receive £2,000 - if they pay an administration fee.
But the Wrexham based website Scam Detectives warns that the messages are fake.
The CAA said it will be asking the police to investigate the scam.
"It's a scam through and through" said Charles Conway, editor of the Scam Detectives website, which was set up to offer advice and information on the latest types of fraud and tricks used online.
"If you reply, you'll be asked for an 'administration fee' before your payment can be released and you'll never see a penny."
To date the ash cloud chaos has cost the industry an estimated £2.2billion.
(LB/GK)
The ash cloud moved west overnight and has cleared UK airspace, air traffic control body Nats said.
Airspace over Scotland and Northern Ireland was shut overnight after levels of volcanic ash had made it too unsafe to fly.
Although airports have reopened there is still little comfort to holidaymakers who may face this ash cloud misery all summer. Air chiefs have admitted the Icelandic volcano shows no signs of letting up.
The Met Office said activity from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano has increased and there were also fears it could trigger neighbouring volcano Katla.
The Civil Aviation Authority warned ash from the volcano could disrupt services over the summer months.
"It will depend on whether the volcano is still erupting and what the weather looks like," a spokesman said.
"We don’t know how long it will go on erupting. Some volcanologists are saying it could be months, which could disrupt British airspace."
The Icelandic volcano is volatile because it is erupting under an ice cap, Dr Dougal Jerram of Durham University said.
"It’s like throwing some menthol into a cola bottle and it makes the airport situation very unstable," he added.
Meanwhile victims of the ash imposed flight restrictions are being warned over the circulation of a hoax email.
The Scam Detectives, who uncovered the email, have said at the moment the latest target of online fraudsters are travellers who found themselves stranded by the volcanic ash cloud.
The e-mails claim they are from the Civil Aviation Authority, and say travellers affected can receive £2,000 - if they pay an administration fee.
But the Wrexham based website Scam Detectives warns that the messages are fake.
The CAA said it will be asking the police to investigate the scam.
"It's a scam through and through" said Charles Conway, editor of the Scam Detectives website, which was set up to offer advice and information on the latest types of fraud and tricks used online.
"If you reply, you'll be asked for an 'administration fee' before your payment can be released and you'll never see a penny."
To date the ash cloud chaos has cost the industry an estimated £2.2billion.
(LB/GK)
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09 May 2013
easyJet To Conduct Ash Cloud Experiment
Luton-based airline easyJet has flown a tonne of volcanic ash from Iceland as part of an experiment to test an aircraft warning system. The volcanic ash was collected by the Institute of Earth Sciences in Reykjavik and dried to create the consistency of fine talc. It will be used in a "unique experiment" which is planned for this summer.
easyJet To Conduct Ash Cloud Experiment
Luton-based airline easyJet has flown a tonne of volcanic ash from Iceland as part of an experiment to test an aircraft warning system. The volcanic ash was collected by the Institute of Earth Sciences in Reykjavik and dried to create the consistency of fine talc. It will be used in a "unique experiment" which is planned for this summer.
25 May 2011
Disruption Over Eruption Calms
Flights across the UK have got underway again after an ash cloud from the erupting Icelandic volcano caused travel disruption. Thousands of passengers were affected by the rising ash cloud yesterday after an air traffic control company reported ash in UK airspace.
Disruption Over Eruption Calms
Flights across the UK have got underway again after an ash cloud from the erupting Icelandic volcano caused travel disruption. Thousands of passengers were affected by the rising ash cloud yesterday after an air traffic control company reported ash in UK airspace.
26 May 2011
Flight Disruption Eases Off - 'Weekend Clear'
The volcano Grimsvötn has currently paused its eruptions and the Met Office modelling indicates that significant disruption between now and the end of the weekend is unlikely, Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has said.
Flight Disruption Eases Off - 'Weekend Clear'
The volcano Grimsvötn has currently paused its eruptions and the Met Office modelling indicates that significant disruption between now and the end of the weekend is unlikely, Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has said.
18 May 2010
No-Fly Regulations To Ease Disruption
As volcanic ash cleared the UK today - with south westerly winds becoming more established - 4NI's UK News service has been looking at the background to the latest round of disruption.
No-Fly Regulations To Ease Disruption
As volcanic ash cleared the UK today - with south westerly winds becoming more established - 4NI's UK News service has been looking at the background to the latest round of disruption.
13 May 2010
Ash Clouds Thomas Cook's Profits
Thomas Cook is down by millions of pounds in profits following the continuing disruption caused by the Icelandic ash cloud. The travel firm has reported that disruption caused in April was costing £70m alone after the ash cloud grounded planes across Europe.
Ash Clouds Thomas Cook's Profits
Thomas Cook is down by millions of pounds in profits following the continuing disruption caused by the Icelandic ash cloud. The travel firm has reported that disruption caused in April was costing £70m alone after the ash cloud grounded planes across Europe.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
