Travel insurance customers face less disruption from ash cloud

Monday, 07 June 2010

Travel insurance policyholders are likely to face less disruption from the volcanic ash cloud as new measures have been introduced to reduce airspace closures caused by the Icelandic volcano's eruption.

From midday tomorrow (June 8th) the new regulations will be enforced, creating a Time Limited Zone between the No Fly Zone and Enhanced Procedures Zone, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced.

In order to operate flights in the new air zone, airlines have to present a safety case to the CAA.

Travel insurance customers embarking on their journey with Flybe will be the first to benefit from the relaxed restrictions as it has achieved permission from the CAA to start its flights tomorrow.

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

Recently, Sue Ockwell, spokesperson for the Association of Independent Tour Operators, advised travel insurance customers to be aware of the differences in compensation that airlines and tour operators are offering with regards to the volcanic ash disruption.

She said travel insurance policyholders on a budget should be especially careful when it comes to the ash, as airlines are less likely to compensate their passengers.

Posted by Rebecca Mellor

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