New Rules Allow Flights To Fly Through Volcanic Ash

Planes will be allowed to fly through volcanic ash under new measures announced today by the UK's Civil Aviation Authority, the Sky News reports.

The announcement of a new Time Limited Zone (TLZ) was made after all UK airspace was reopened yesterday evening.

Volcanic Ash ? Impact on Health and Travel
A pall of gloom had descended over the traveling class the world over as a volcano erupted in faraway Iceland. Flights were grounded, and travelers were stranded indefinitely.

The CAA said the TLZ - introduced from midday today (local time) would allow flights for a limited time at higher ash densities than are currently allowed.

To operate in the new zone, airlines need to present the CAA with a safety case that includes the agreement of their aircraft and engine manufacturers.

The CAA said this meant that in future some areas of UK airspace that would have previously had to close would be able to remain open.

Climatologist Says Iceland's Volcanic Ash Cover May Not Cool Planet
An Australian climatologist has said that the volcanic ash cloud that exploded from an Icelandic volcano is unlikely to have an impact on global temperatures.

CAA chief executive Andrew Haines said: "I'm pleased that the huge efforts we're all making across aviation to keep flying safe while minimising the disruption from the volcano have resulted in further progress.

The measures follow heavy criticism of the no-fly zones from airline industry chiefs.

Iceland's Volcanic Ash Will Not Affect Scot Human Health: Minister
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has said that dust from the volcanic ash cloud coming from Iceland presents no risk to health, agriculture or the environment of his country.

British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh said blanket bans on flying were "a gross over-reaction to a very minor risk".

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson described the situation as "beyond a joke".

Volcanic Eruptions in Iceland Could Last for Months, Warn Experts
Experts have warned that Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcanic activity, which is still pumping ash into the sky and disrupting European air traffic, could last for months.

The announcement came after the UK's National Air Traffic Service confirmed that British airspace was to reopen from 7pm British time on Monday until 1am (local time).

A no-fly zone would remain over parts of the North Sea, affecting some helicopter flights.

The majority of UK airports reopened today with only a few - including some in the Shetland Isles - still closed.

Source-ANI
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