Volcanic Ash Shrouds Europe for 5th Day

Volcanic Ash: Summary Of Latest Developments -WSJ

The Volcanic ash cloud that has shuttered most of the airspace above northern and central Europe is continuing to cause chaos across the world for a fifth consecutive day. The situation is fast moving, especially now Europe’s politicians are finally starting to wake up to the crisis.

Here’s a summary of key developments:

European Union transport ministers will meet Monday afternoon in emergency session to discuss measures to reduce the mounting losses on businesses and the economy. They are set to discuss test flights undertaken by several European airlines over the weekend that showed no damage to aircraft.

European Union officials have now started commenting on the crisis, but no consensus has been reach.

Some say airlines could be due compensation but others say it’s premature to discuss the issue. Airlines have joined together to ask for compensation.
Airline officials are continuing to slam law makers for being slow to react to the crisis and coordinate. They also say authorities have overreacted by closing vast swathes of airspace without detailed analysis of atmospheric conditions and the dangers posed.

See related: Iceland Volcano Awakens From 200 Year Slumber