Volcano Ash Crisis - Latest update

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As the air restrictions continue to be applied to some countries, there are a number of airports resuming flights.

Although the volcano in Iceland is still erupting, there are signs that the intensity is less than before. However, it is worth noting that when this volcano last erupted, it remained active for almost 2 years, and did not continually produce the level of ash we are seeing at the moment.

There are reports (Monday morning UK time) that the ash cloud is due to reach the east coast of North America within the next few hours.

In an attempt to get stranded passengers back to the UK, the British government is planning to deploy The Royal Navy. Within the next 24-48 hours HMS Ocean, HMS Ark Royal and HMS Albion will be heading towards the Channel and Spain to collect travellers who have managed to make their way there from various locations around the world.

Whilst Airline companies are expected to provide accommodation and meals for passengers who are delayed by flight problems, there is of course a limit to how much they can afford to pay, especially in view of the numbers and time involved.

Many Airline companies are already experiencing financial difficulties (economy and recent strikes), and there is a very real problem that some may be forced out of business if they remain grounded for much longer.

However, whilst travelling by air may be a problem, the ash cloud has not affected other forms of transport. The Channel Tunnel has seen a dramatic increase in business, as have the cross channel ferries.

Should the cloud continue to disrupt flights, we may see many UK tourists opting for a holiday at home this year. The locations may not be as exotic, but at least travellers will be comforted by the thought that they can return home later. This of course will be good news for the hotels and businesses at British resorts, who can expect to receive a bumper number of bookings over the next few weeks.

There is still a growing concern that the neighbouring Katla Volcano in Iceland could also erupt soon, as it has done many times before following the eruption of the volcano under the Eyjafjallajokull glacier. The Katla Volcano is one of the most dangerous in Iceland.

Although the public accepted the travel delays as being unavoidable, there has been some recent criticism that the British government could have allowed some flights to go ahead. This concern has been raised following the lifting of flight bans in other countries.

Unfortunately, if the ban was lifted prematurely and an accident was to occur, the government and flight authorities would receive much stronger criticism. Everyone wants to see things return to normal as soon as possible (especially the Airline companies), but is it really worth risking lives by taking chances?

We may see some normality return in the next few days, if the eruption becomes less intense and the wind direction changes (although the forecast does not indicate any immediate change). But tremors are still being reported around the volcano, which indicates there may be more to come.