Volcanoes in Iceland halting air traffic in Europe? For two days now, air travel has been delayed in many of Europe’s most highly traveled airports, including Heathrow. More than just a visual problem from the ash clouds, the volcanic ash in the air can cause dire problems to the aircraft’s ability to fly at all. Volcanic ash in the engine of an airplane, can cause the plane to fail, thus causing a much larger problem than simply delays. In an effort to prevent such tragedy, the only solution is to delay flights until the wind changes direction and the ash clears up.
With delays in effect for an unspecified time, all travelers can do now, is sit and wait. With over 16,000 flights canceled so far, it could be up to a week before the ash clears up enough for normal flights to resume. In an effort to keep travelers aware of travel situations around the globe, Southwest Travel Club Tucson is bringing you the most current information on flight delays caused by the Icelandic Volcanic Eruption.
So who is being affected? According to the most recent information, travelers being most impacted are those from the U.S. to some areas in Europe, Ryanair has canceled all of its flights to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Holland, Northern France, Northern Germany, Poland and the Baltic States until Monday, and all airspace in the following countries is closed including Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania and Hungary. As the ash moves, airports will continue to reopen and flights will resume. Southwest Travel Club Tucson AZ reminds you to be patient if the current situation is affecting your travel. Remember that the closures are for your safety.
In reality, this eruption is quite small in comparison to some and impacts are very slight in the grand scheme. Though air travel has ground to a halt, not much other impact is expected to occur. Volcanic ash can be quite destructive and on occasion, large eruptions have caused wide spread effects on the earth itself, stunting plant growth, affecting health and killing crops. Though your travel plans may be interrupted, it is important to remember that it could always be worse. Southwest Travel Club knows that travel inconveniences are always a bit annoying, but be patient and make the best of your extended stay by perhaps doing a bit more site seeing.
Count on Southwest Travel Club Tucson AZ to bring you the most up to date information on travel and destinations throughout the world.