THE Council of EU Transport Ministers is expected to approve an interim, European-wide response to the airspace restrictions arising from the volcanic ash cloud. The response will ease restrictions, and this will facilitate the commencement of limited operations from 0500 local time tomorrow, based on ash proliferation assessments.
The response to be confirmed by the Ministers later this evening includes:
A “limited No-Fly zone” including buffered area;
In low contaminated areas, States should allow airlines to operate, fully supported by shared data, including advice from the scientific community (meteo, volcanic ash proliferation etc.) including safety assessments, supported by tests under the oversight of the competent Safety Authorities;
In non-contaminated airspace: no restrictions.
The IAA will continue to work with neighbouring air traffic service providers and with the airlines to implement this response.
Irish airspace restrictions will continue until 0500 local time, Tuesday 20th April 2010. At that time the IAA expects to reinstate some air traffic services on a phased basis. The IAA stresses that this is not a return to full service. Normal operations are not expected to be in place for up to three or four days.
The IAA will continue to monitor both volcanic activity and meteorological information and will advise the public on any developments. It is now up to airports and airlines to decide how best to use this opportunity. Passengers should contact their airlines to find out how this will affect their travel plans.
