16 April 2010

Special Advisory - Europe & CIS: Ash cloud causes significant air travel disruption in northern Europe; further airport closures possible

A number of airports in northern Europe were closed on 15 April as a result of a cloud of ash caused by a volcanic eruption on the Eyjafjallajokull glacier (Iceland). UK airspace has been closed as a precautionary measure, and flights to and from most airports, including those in the capital London, have been suspended. Irish airspace is also restricted, and all flights to and from Dublin Airport (DUB) cancelled. The Norwegian authorities have also closed airspace in the north of the country; all flights have been suspended at Oslo Gardemoen Airport (OSL). Denmark's Copenhagen Airport ( CPH) has been temporarily closed. The status of Rekjavic's Keflavik Airport (KEF) is unclear at this stage, though a number of flights at the facility appear to have been cancelled. Airspace in northern Sweden and Finland is also closed; a number of flights to and from the Swedish capital Stockholm's Arlanda Airport (ARN) have been cancelled, though the facility remains open. However, most flights are landing on schedule at Finland's Helsinki Vantaa Airport (HEL). Other key airports in northern Europe, including France's Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport ( CDG) and Germany's Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA), appear largely unaffected at present, though they are experiencing some cancellations due to airport closures in the UK and Scandinavia.

Comment and Analysis

The ash cloud could take several days to disperse and there is the potential for other northern European countries to take precautions similar to those taken by the UK, Ireland and Scandinavian countries. This could involve the closure of airports, potentially including major hubs in France and Germany. This would have significant implications for flights into and out of Europe from destinations worldwide. Airspace closures in northern Europe will nevertheless mean flights across the region are liable to be disrupted. Associated delays and cancellations should be expected at airports not directly affected by the ash in the coming hours.

Travel Advice

Expect delays and cancellations; contact the relevant airline to enquire about changes to flight schedules before setting out. Disruption could continue even after the airports reopen.
Anticipate increased demand for alternative means of international and inter-city transport.
Expect heightened demand for overnight accommodation in the vicinity of affected airports; double-check accommodation bookings.