Ash cloud moves south

Airlines and travellers are watching nervously as the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland's erupting Eyjafjallajokull volcano drifts southward over the UK again.

"With airlines having lost over a billion pounds last time round, the re-emergence of the ashcloud is the last thing they need, commented crisis management expert Paul Charles, chief operating officer of LEWIS Communications.

"They won't be able to cope with the uncertainty of on-off airspace closures and if this continues, it will put some carriers out of business."

Charles, who was a former director of corporate communications at Virgin Atlantic, added: "The restrictions on flying through low-density ash have been loosened since the last disruption but passengers should check with airports and airlines before setting off on their journeys.

"The situation is changeable and dynamic but there needs to be clear leadership from the authorities to ward off any possible repeat of the chaos which occurred last month."

The no-fly zone was extended to Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northwest England from 13:00 today as the ash cloud continues to move south. Current forecasts indicate airports in the south-east of England are not likely to be affected.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) continues to warn travellers: "The situation remains changeable, so passengers expecting to travel today and tomorrow from airports in Scotland, Northern Ireland, the north of Engand, Wales and the West Country should contact their airlines to check whether their flight is operating."

Travelbite.co.uk staff

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