As European airports and airspace reopen as the volcanic ash cloud clears, delays and disruptions continue
If you were, or still are, unfortunate enough to be stranded or have your travel plans disrupted by the recent eruption of Eyjafjallajokull, the volcano on Iceland, it is some solace that flights are taking to the skies again. However disruptions in air travel will continue as the recovery from all the cancelled flights progresses. The alert posted on the home page of London's Heathrow Airport is good advice for all travelers during this period of flight disruption:
Important flight information
Last updated: 11:00 BST, Wednesday 21
April
Heathrow airport is open but it will take some time for flying schedules to return to normal after the recent closure of UK airspace. It is therefore extremely important that passengers do not travel to the airport unless they have contacted their airline to confirm that their flight is operating.
If you do not have a confirmed reservation for a flight that is operating then do not travel to the airport. Flights are full and will not be accepting stand-by passengers.
Some web sites, in addition to those of your airline and airport, that can provide useful information about air travel during this time are:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/04/15/world/europe/airport-closings-graphic.html?ref=europe - this interactive map from the NY Times reports the status of airports affected by the volcanic eruption
http://www.airlineindustryreview.com/list-of-european-airport-closures-and-status - List of European Airport Closures and Status – Live Updating - from Airline Industry Review
http://www.auc.org.uk/ - The Air Transport Users Council - the "The UK's Consumer Watchdog for the Aviation Industry" - provides information on air travelers' rights in the UK and EU
http://www.caa.co.uk/ - The UK Civil Aviation Authority Web Site - provides the latest information regarding air travel and the ash cloud
Before leaving for the airport, be sure to check on the status of your flight. Some airlines, such as British Airways, are requesting that travelers with flexible travel plans reschedule their flights so that stranded passengers can be transported. For more information, see the British Airways website, or check with your airline about rescheduling options.
