 In the case of air travel disruption due to volcanic ash, please check this page for regular flight operation updates.
Background
In April 2010, the eruption of the Icelandic volcano, Eyjafjallajökull, led to the closure of European Airspace for six days, resulting in an unprecedented level of air travel disruption which was beyond the control of airlines.
During the crisis, regular updates were sent to ERA members giving contact information for best advice and tactical information for continued flight operations from the Regulatory Authorities.
Since that time, the Directorate has been an active participant in the European Aviation Crisis Control Centre (EACCC) teleconferences concerning strategic initiatives to harmonise operations amongst member states and the preparation and acceptance of airline Safety Risk Assessments. In April 2011, ERA participated in VOLCEX, a simulation exercise to test updated procedures following the April 2010 crisis.
Latest News
In February 2012, ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) published the first edition of its Flight Safety and Volcanic Ash manual (Doc 9974). The document provides guidance and recommendations for operators and Regulators regarding the risk management of flight operations in areas of known or forecast volcanic ash contamination. It has drawn primarily on the work undertaken by the ICAO International Volcanic Ash Task Force (IVATF).
Volcanic Ash Updates
Should volcanic ash contamination occur again, regular updates on the situation including operational procedures and recommendations, will be sent to ERA members and also posted on this webpage.
Copies of all previous communications to members and to the European Commission and Transport Ministers from the 2010 crisis, can be found by clicking here.
All documents are available to ERA members only.
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