Volcano Persists as Air Travel Slowly Resumes

Some positive news from Europe this morning, as airports began reopening in many areas across the Continent. Here’s the latest, according to Reuters:

• Airports in France, Italy, and Switzerland reopened this morning, though many carriers cancelled their flights. Hungary, Slovenia, and Moldova also opened their airports.
• However, airports in the U.K., including Heathrow, remain closed. Much of Britain’s airspace will remain closed until later today at the earliest.
• Looking ahead, it’s difficult to determine if the situation will continue to improve. The volcano has reportedly burst forth a new plume that could track over parts of Europe and throw air travel into chaos again.

As we reported yesterday, most airlines are offering travel waivers to affected travelers. Contact your airline as soon as possible if you’re traveling to Europe within the next few days.

In related stories, the BBC has some stunning satellite images of the volcano and its plume of ash trailing over northern Europe, and Patrick Smith explains why planes can’t simply fly over, under or around the ash plume.

And if you’re wondering what your rights are in a volcano eruption, or any natural disaster for that matter, read our own Ed Perkins’ column on just that subject.

I’ll keep an eye on the news out of Europe today and post any updates as they come. Stay tuned.