Travel Q&A: The Closure of Airspace
Question: "In March 2010, I saw a lot on the news about the closure of European airspace which meant planes could not fly and many passengers were left stranded. I'm going to Europe next year; is this a regular occurrence, and is there anything I can do to protect myself should I be stuck in Europe due to airspace closures?"
Answer:
Firstly, no, the closure of airspace is not a regular occurrence at all. In March 2010, European airspace was closed due to an ash cloud traveling on high winds from Iceland, where a volcano was erupting. Volcanic ash can be damaging to jet engines, so the flights were grounded as a safety precaution.
It was, however, the first time European airspace had been closed since the 9/11 disaster - so nearly nine years. It's extremely rare.
In terms of protecting yourself, you can consider travel insurance which may cover the cost of an extended stay in your destination country. However, make sure you read the small print very carefully; many travelers stranded in March 2010 have since discovered they are not covered for extra expenses, such as extended hotel stays. If possible, ask your travel insurance provider directly what their contingency plans are for travelers who are stranded due to a closure of airspace.
On a similar note, if you book a flight with a European Union airline (such as British Airways or any other flag carrier), you gain an extra level of protection if airspace is closed. The airline is obligated under EU law to provide food and accommodation for as long as you are inconvenienced, so bear that in mind.