06/05/2010

Irish 'Cannot Afford' Ash Compensation

The Dublin Transport Minister has said that the country cannot afford to compensate ash-hit airlines for their losses.

Noel Dempsey told the Irish parliament that his Government could not afford to provide aid or compensation for the aviation industry following disruption caused by the Icelandic volcano.

The news came last night just before flights in and out of Northern Ireland resumed again and Dublin, Cork, Waterford, and Donegal airports also re-opened in the early hours, with Sligo airport beginning operations at 6am.

Shannon Airport and the airports in Knock, Galway and Kerry have also since reopened as the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) said the ash cloud was moving southwestwards and "airport restrictions will be lifted according to its progress".

As a result, all airports across the UK opened at 7am too after flights were grounded overnight in Northern Ireland, parts of western Scotland and the far south-west of England because of the volcanic ash.

Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport said flights were operational from 7am but passengers were told they should still check with their airlines or tour operator for the latest information.

Last month, thousands of Britons were stranded overseas after ash shut down airspace across Europe.

This latest disruption started on Monday, and has confused many air travellers as authorities repeatedly closed, then reopened, airports.

(BMcC/GK)

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