Return of the Ash Cloud

Aviation crisis management specialist Paul Charles, Chief Operating Officer of LEWIS Communications, said:

“Airlines will be watching nervously as the volcanic ash cloud descends again.

“With airlines having lost over a billion pounds last time round, the re-emergence of the ashcloud is the last thing they need. They won’t be able to cope with the uncertainty of on-off airspace closures and if this continues, it will put some carriers out of business.

“Hopefully, airlines and airports should now have robust contingency plans in place to help customers and communicate news of any flight delays, suspensions or cancellations if and when they happen.

“Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook are excellent ways of delivering information quickly to travellers. Airlines should also be ready 24 hours a day to update their websites with the latest developments.”

Charles, who was a former Director of Corporate Communications at Virgin Atlantic, added: “The restrictions on flying through low-density ash have been loosened since the last disruption but passengers should check with airports and airlines before setting off on their journeys.

“The situation is changeable and dynamic but there needs to be clear leadership from the authorities to ward off any possible repeat of the chaos which occurred last month.”