Global

Closure of airports in northern Spain as ash cloud continues to disrupt European air travel | 01:15 PM GMT, May 8, 2010

As reported via CWT Alert, several airports in northern Spain were closed on Saturday, May 8 due to the continued movement of the volcanic ash cloud generated by the Eyjafjallajokull volcano.

According to the Spanish organization overseeing air traffic control, Aeropuertos Espanoles y Navigacion Aerea (AENA), the 16 affected airports would remain closed until at least 6:00pm local time. At the time of publication, Madrid Barajas and Barcelona Prat airports remain open.

Some flights to Spain from other European countries have been cancelled as a result of the airport closures.

Eurocontrol, the agency coordinating air traffic in Europe, indicates that flights between North America and Europe are being rerouted to avoid the volcanic ash cloud, which could cause some delays.

Eurocontrol also advised that additional airport closures in eastern Spain, northern Portugal and southern France could be expected if the ash cloud continues on its projected path.

CWT clients are encouraged to run Traveler Locator reports in the CWT Program Management Center (PMC) to identify any affected travelers.

CWT travelers are advised to check their carrier’s website for the most current flight information before departing for the airport.

CWT continues to monitor the situation and its impact on call activity; operations will be adjusted to best service all travelers.

Additional updates will be provided as appropriate.

For full coverage on the situation, travelers should consult CWT’s Volcanic Ash resource site.

If you have any questions about the information contained in this Hot News, please contact your CWT representative.