Volcano sparks more air disruption
Source: Agencies |
April 18, 2010, Sunday
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Print Edition
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A LINGERING volcanic ash plume forced extended no-fly restrictions over much of Europe yesterday, as Icelandic scientists warned that volcanic activity had increased and showed no sign of abating - a portent of more travel chaos to come.
Although the ash plume has grown, a northerly wind was expected to allow enough visibility for scientists to fly over the volcano yesterday.
Scientists want to see how much ice has melted to determine how much longer the eruption could spew ash.
Because the volcano is situated below a glacial ice cap, the magma is being cooled quickly, causing explosions and plumes of grit that can be catastrophic to plane engines if prevailing winds are right.
"The activity has been quite vigorous overnight, causing the eruption column to grow," Icelandic geologist Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson said yesterday.
"It's the magma mixing with the water that creates the explosivity. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be an end in sight."
An expansive cloud of grit hovered over parts of western Europe yesterday, triggering extended flight bans that stranded people around the globe. Continued volcanic activity could produce more plumes if the weather patterns stay the same.
Anxious passengers have told stories of missed weddings, graduations, school and holidays because of the ominous plume, which seemed likely to disrupt world leaders' plans to attend today's state funeral for Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria in the southern city of Krakow.
Aviation experts say the volcanic plume has caused the worst travel disruption Europe, and the world, has ever seen.
British and German officials yesterday extended their closure of airspace until at least 0000 GMT. The Belgian, French and Swiss governments extended their ban until last night.
Stranded passengers reported the delays were causing financial hardships. Some had to check out of hotels and sleep in airports.
"I have been staying in a hotel but have now checked out and do not know what I am going to do - I have limited financial resources here," said Anthony Adeayo, 45, due to travel from Britain to Nigeria with British Airways.
Eva Macieyow, 33, said she had been due to depart for Germany with a friend. "We are a little frustrated," she said. "Last night we thought we had a flight ... but now it has been cancelled."
Shoppers were warned yesterday that continued flight bans could spark shortages of imported fresh fruit and vegetables.
"There are no shortages yet, but we may start to see certain ranges affected if this carries on," said Christopher Snelling, head of global supply chain policy for the Freight Transport Association.
Italian aviation authorities were closing airspace in northern Italy yesterday until midday, with airports in Milan and Venice to close.
Denmark and Finland's airspace also remained closed, while Norway and Sweden said some air space in the far north could be opened as the cloud moves south.
Air space in the central and southern parts of the Nordics was expected to remain closed at least until this afternoon.
Qantas cancelled all flights to Europe yesterday and Cathay Pacific was cancelling some Europe-bound flights leaving Hong Kong today.
Although the ash plume has grown, a northerly wind was expected to allow enough visibility for scientists to fly over the volcano yesterday.
Scientists want to see how much ice has melted to determine how much longer the eruption could spew ash.
Because the volcano is situated below a glacial ice cap, the magma is being cooled quickly, causing explosions and plumes of grit that can be catastrophic to plane engines if prevailing winds are right.
"The activity has been quite vigorous overnight, causing the eruption column to grow," Icelandic geologist Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson said yesterday.
"It's the magma mixing with the water that creates the explosivity. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be an end in sight."
An expansive cloud of grit hovered over parts of western Europe yesterday, triggering extended flight bans that stranded people around the globe. Continued volcanic activity could produce more plumes if the weather patterns stay the same.
Anxious passengers have told stories of missed weddings, graduations, school and holidays because of the ominous plume, which seemed likely to disrupt world leaders' plans to attend today's state funeral for Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria in the southern city of Krakow.
Aviation experts say the volcanic plume has caused the worst travel disruption Europe, and the world, has ever seen.
British and German officials yesterday extended their closure of airspace until at least 0000 GMT. The Belgian, French and Swiss governments extended their ban until last night.
Stranded passengers reported the delays were causing financial hardships. Some had to check out of hotels and sleep in airports.
"I have been staying in a hotel but have now checked out and do not know what I am going to do - I have limited financial resources here," said Anthony Adeayo, 45, due to travel from Britain to Nigeria with British Airways.
Eva Macieyow, 33, said she had been due to depart for Germany with a friend. "We are a little frustrated," she said. "Last night we thought we had a flight ... but now it has been cancelled."
Shoppers were warned yesterday that continued flight bans could spark shortages of imported fresh fruit and vegetables.
"There are no shortages yet, but we may start to see certain ranges affected if this carries on," said Christopher Snelling, head of global supply chain policy for the Freight Transport Association.
Italian aviation authorities were closing airspace in northern Italy yesterday until midday, with airports in Milan and Venice to close.
Denmark and Finland's airspace also remained closed, while Norway and Sweden said some air space in the far north could be opened as the cloud moves south.
Air space in the central and southern parts of the Nordics was expected to remain closed at least until this afternoon.
Qantas cancelled all flights to Europe yesterday and Cathay Pacific was cancelling some Europe-bound flights leaving Hong Kong today.
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