Airlines in Europe resume flights by Zuzana Zelenakova

Flight ban in Europe was finally lifted and airlines across the continent resumed flights Tuesday. The decision was made due to reports from meteorologists claiming that the ash cloud is about to drift south. Six day closure of European airspace was caused by the ash cloud from the erupted volcano in Island. "The volcanic eruption has reduced and the volcano is not currently emitting ash to altitudes that will affect the UK," said UK´s National Air Traffic Service (Nats). "Assuming there are no further significant ash emissions, we are now looking at a continuously improving situation." Together with the ban also the pressure from the aviation industry was lifted. The! ban cost airlines about $1.2 billion. They have been complaining about authorities´ decision to keep the ban on for so long as they did not consider the risk that serious in the last days. First flights of British Airways landed at Heathrow airport at 10 pm last night. Although the air traffic has been resumed the Civil Aviation Authority has imposed several restrictions that could result in delays in the following days. Most importantly, airlines are required to check airplanes for possible ash damage before and after the flights. "This solution has been reached as a result of the close working between the government, the CAA, airlines and the manufacturers, and will allow the thousands of UK citizens stranded abroad to return home to their families. The government will continue to work with all the relevant agencies to ensure that people can return to the UK quickly and safely, and that those booked on flights out of the UK can travel as soon as possible," said the! official statement from Downing Street. Air France announced ! it plans to resume all long-haul flights from Wednesday while Germany still keeps most of its airspace closed.

related story (sgx17053): http://www.france24.com/en/20100420-aviation-europe-eases-fl...

by Zuzana Zelenakova for Cantell TV (http://cantell.tv)

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