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Ash Cloud: Eurocontrol frequently asked questions

24th May 2011 See the original statement at eurocontrol.int

FAQ about the impact of the Grimsvötn eruption on European air traffic

Here are some answers to your frequently asked questions with regard to the impact of the Grimsvötn ash cloud on European air traffic during the week 23-27 May 2011.

If you still have questions after reading this FAQ, you can ask them on Twitter or Facebook if you are a passenger.

1. What is the current situation with regard to European air traffic disruption?

For the latest update on the impact of Grimsvötn on European air traffic, including the latest ash concentration charts from the London Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), please check our news updates.

2. As a passenger, where can I get more information on how the ash cloud is affecting or will affect my flight in the coming days?

Your airline remains your first point of contact for any information on your upcoming flight. Alternatively, you can also ask a question about the situation of European air traffic to EUROCONTROL via our Twitter account or Facebook page.

3. Will the situation be similar to when Eyjafjallajokull erupted in April 2010, disrupting air traffic in Europe for several days?

The situation is quite different for several reasons, not the least because the nature of the ash dispersed is different and because of different weather conditions. The massive disruption of 2010 will not occur again because a new approach to dealing with ash in the context of air transport has been adopted last year and is now in place.

More about the new approach to ash in Europe.

4. Was it foreseen that Grimsvötn could erupt and cause air travel disruption?

Grimsvötn is the most active volcano in Iceland. That is why Grimsvötn was the volcano chosen by the UN International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) during the volcanic ash crisis exercise that EUROCONTROL coordinated in Europe on 13-14 April 2011. But the current eruption had not been forecast as it is happening now.

More on the April 2011 volcanic ash crisis exercise.

5. Has there been any intergovernmental or cross-agency co-operation set up to provide a coordinated response to this eruption?

The European Aviation Crisis Coordination Cell (EACCC), comprising representatives from EUROCONTROL, the European Commission, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), States and air transport stakeholders, has been activated on Monday 23 May 2011 in order to coordinate a response that can mitigate any potential impact while maintaining established safety levels.