Iceland - Volcano Update

Update 8th June 2010

Iceland is yet to declare the eruption of Eyjafjallajokul is over, after renewed activity was recorded on Friday June 4th.

The latest activity caused a black plume to rise from the summit, but there was no disruption to air traffic.

Ash from the volcano has caused the closure of some or all of European air space on 3 occasions since April 21st.

The initial 5-day closure resulted in 100,000 flights being grounded across northern Europe, stranding 10 million travellers worldwide.

A second ash cloud closed airports in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Northwest England on May 5th.

Ten days later a third ash cloud caused the closure of airports at Heathrow and Gatwick in the morning, and Belfast City, Derry, Shetland and Orkney for much of the day, resulting in 1000 flights being cancelled.

The following day the UK Civil Aviation Authority announced new regulations, formed in consultation with aircraft engine manufacturers, which will reduce the "no-fly" zone around ash clouds, significantly reducing the number of flight cancellations.

A spokesman for regional airline Flybe told The Guardian if the new regulations had been in place on May 15-16 only 21 of their services would have been cancelled instead of 380.

Budget airline Easyjet is to begin trials of an infra-red ash detection system, which it says will allow individual aircraft to avoid danger without the need for a blanket ban on flying.

Meanwhile, intending travellers are urged to contact their airline before departure to check on flight status. They are also reminded that policy changes and exclusions apply to travel insurance taken out since the April 21 eruption.

Gunnar Gudmarsson, earth scientist at the Iceland meteorological Office said volcanic activity of varying intensity could continue for the next 2 years.

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