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19/04/2010
Government Criticised Over Airline Chaos
The ban on UK fights has extended into Tuesday with planes remaining grounded until at least 1am on Tuesday morning.
The Government is now facing mounting pressure to end the ban which has left more than 150,000 Britons stranded abroad.
Airlines and their trade bodies have criticised ministers for their 'blanket approach' to the crisis, claiming they have overreacted and been slow to assess the full situation.
Airlines say the ban is costing them £200m a day, and today the head of the airlines' trade body delivered a scathing attack on European governments for their response to Iceland's volcanic ash cloud.
Giovanni Bisignani, Director-General of International Air Transport Association, told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: "This is a European embarrassment and it's a European mess.
"It took five days to organise a conference call with the ministers of transport."
A series of test flights flew safely at the weekend, despite warnings that the giant cloud of ash from the erupting Icelandic volcano would cause their engines to fail.
In a pointed message to the Government, British Airways boss Willie Walsh took to the skies in a jumbo jet to demonstrate the lack of danger. The airlines say officials have over-reacted.
Meanwhile Cabinet ministers met to discuss plans to deal with the situation on Sunday, with Business Secretary Lord Mandelson saying afterwards: "We will mobilise all possible means to get people home."
Security Minister Lord West, a former head of the Royal Navy, said: "We clearly have a reasonable lift capacity within the Royal Navy for lifting people... we are finding exactly what ships are available, what would be able to move, what's the best port to go to."
Planes were first grounded in the UK at midday on Thursday amid fears particles in the ash cloud from a volcanic eruption in Iceland could cause engines to shut down.
Forecasters have warned the dust cloud generated by the Icelandic eruption may remain over the UK for several days.
(LB/GK)
The Government is now facing mounting pressure to end the ban which has left more than 150,000 Britons stranded abroad.
Airlines and their trade bodies have criticised ministers for their 'blanket approach' to the crisis, claiming they have overreacted and been slow to assess the full situation.
Airlines say the ban is costing them £200m a day, and today the head of the airlines' trade body delivered a scathing attack on European governments for their response to Iceland's volcanic ash cloud.
Giovanni Bisignani, Director-General of International Air Transport Association, told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: "This is a European embarrassment and it's a European mess.
"It took five days to organise a conference call with the ministers of transport."
A series of test flights flew safely at the weekend, despite warnings that the giant cloud of ash from the erupting Icelandic volcano would cause their engines to fail.
In a pointed message to the Government, British Airways boss Willie Walsh took to the skies in a jumbo jet to demonstrate the lack of danger. The airlines say officials have over-reacted.
Meanwhile Cabinet ministers met to discuss plans to deal with the situation on Sunday, with Business Secretary Lord Mandelson saying afterwards: "We will mobilise all possible means to get people home."
Security Minister Lord West, a former head of the Royal Navy, said: "We clearly have a reasonable lift capacity within the Royal Navy for lifting people... we are finding exactly what ships are available, what would be able to move, what's the best port to go to."
Planes were first grounded in the UK at midday on Thursday amid fears particles in the ash cloud from a volcanic eruption in Iceland could cause engines to shut down.
Forecasters have warned the dust cloud generated by the Icelandic eruption may remain over the UK for several days.
(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.
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.
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.
11 May 2010
Flight Disruption Continues To Hit Travellers
There was limited volcanic ash disruption to flights to and from the UK today. Scores of UK air passengers are still facing further delays caused by the volcanic ash cloud that has halted many European flights. Flights to and from parts of Spain, Portugal, Morocco and the Canary Islands have been affected after the countries closed their airspace.
Flight Disruption Continues To Hit Travellers
There was limited volcanic ash disruption to flights to and from the UK today. Scores of UK air passengers are still facing further delays caused by the volcanic ash cloud that has halted many European flights. Flights to and from parts of Spain, Portugal, Morocco and the Canary Islands have been affected after the countries closed their airspace.
06 May 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.
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.
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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.
