Airline passenger news and views

New European Union guidelines crossed with the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s recent measures to reduce disruption to travellers from volcanic ash seem like a sensible and forward thinking approach to a unique problem.

Last week the CAA said it had agreed with airlines, regulators, and aircraft and engine manufacturers over new measures to reduce airspace closures caused by the ash.

After test flights through the ash cloud a new zone was created, which effectively allows aircraft to fly through higher densities of ash than was allowed previously.

A statement from the aviation regulator said: “It’s the CAA’s job to ensure the public is kept safe by ensuring safety decisions are based on scientific and engineering evidence; we will not listen to those who effectively say ‘let's suck it and see’.”

On Friday the EU’s aviation safety body announced new guidelines for dealing with the ash.

Working with Eurocontrol air traffic management agency and the European Commission, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said a new zone has been added to the present three, which will allow controllers more discretion with regards to opening or closing airspace in their locality.

A crisis coordination centre will also be established to deal with future problems.

A statement from the EASA said: “The joint measures will offer member states greater flexibility in deciding how to manage their airspace, allowing for less flight disruption while still ensuring the highest level of safety.”

With such pressure from airlines that are keen to fly as normal, it is reassuring, surely, these regulators, whilst making progress, ensure nothing is done too hastily?

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