London Heathrow during April flight delays (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
By DAVID S. WHITE
Examiner.com
Updated May 15, 2010
Drifting volcanic ash may cause more problems in British airspace starting on May 16. The current forecast includes possible problems for southeastern England during the period. The area includes London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports. The extent of any airport closures, delays, cancellations, and rerouting of flights is uncertain.
In a follow-up to the massive shutdown of European airspace in April, Italy has fined Irish budget airline Ryanair for failing to take care of stranded passengers at Rome's Ciampino airport. European law requires airlines to provide food, drink and lodging for stranded passengers. Ryanair initially refused to follow the EU requirements, but later backed down.
(AP Photo/Brynjar Gauti)
The eruption of a volcano in Iceland continues to spew ash into the atmosphere and shifting winds have created challenges for European air traffic authorities.
High concentrations of airborne volcanic ash pose a danger to aircraft when particles are ingested into jet engines. Aircraft entering dense ash plumes in the past have experienced engine shutdowns. European authorities were criticized for overreacting to the ash clouds by shutting down almost all airspace in April. EU transportation agencies have refined flight rules to keep airways open and close only limited areas as conditions change.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
For more info:
- Ireland's Aviation Authority
- Britain's National Air Traffic Service
- Eurocontrol–European air traffic control organization
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