Volcanic ash: EU air traffic control 'in disarray'
Updated on 20 April 2010
With air passengers facing more delays as a new ash cloud approaches the UK, Channel 4 News has learnt that the co-ordinated EU air traffic control service is in disarray.
Air traffic control company Nats said the it was monitoring the situation after finding that the volcanic eruption in Iceland had "strengthened".
The news brings new uncertainty to plans to reopen airports in the north of Britain. Earlier Nats said some flights from Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England would resume.
Meanwhile, Channel 4 News has learnt that European airlines will call for the suspension of an EU law (Regulation 261/2004) that requires them to provide free food, accommodation and other necessities under the law's "right to care" provisions.
John Sparks writes: "Channel 4 News has spoken to unhappy passengers from a number of European airlines, currently waiting for a rescheduled flight, who have discovered that the airline is no longer covering their bills.
"The airlines will meet with the president of the European Commission, Manuel Barrosso and three commissioners this afternoon in Brussels to discuss the impact of the shutdown of European airspace due to the dangers posed by volcanic ash from Iceland.
"Channel 4 News has also learnt that the EU's co-ordinated airtraffic control service is in disarray today as three quarters of EU states open up their airspace to commercial flights while the UK maintains stringent rules which rules out flying in most parts of the country."
Scottish airspace reopened at 7am today after Nats lifted restrictions, but there were only a handful of domestic flights, mainly to the islands.
Flights from Newcastle International Airport are expected to head to Aberdeen and the Isle of Man.
Other airspace over England is expected to be available from 1pm, although not including the main London airports.
A statement by Nats on Tuesday morning at 0245 said: "Since our last statement at 2100 (local time) yesterday, the volcano eruption in Iceland has strengthened and a new ash cloud is spreading south and east towards the UK. This demonstrates the dynamic and rapidly changing conditions in which we are working.
"Latest information from the Met Office shows that the situation is variable. The information shows that Scottish airsports should be available from 0700 (local time) and more airspace over England may become available from 1300 (local time) although not as far south as the main London airports.
"We will continue to monitor Met Office information and the situation is likely to change during the course of the day. We will make a further statement at approximately 0900 (local time), today, Tuesday 20 April."
British Airways says it will not be able to operate any short-haul services on Tuesday 20 April. A message on the company’s website continues: "We hope to operate some longhaul services ON Tuesday 20 April."
