Volcanic Ash Grounds Thousands of Flights, Deviating Passengers to Alternative Destinations

Australian airports serving international flights by several major airlines, including Qantas, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Singapore Airlines, have been affected by the ongoing volcanic ash from Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano. The ash has forced flight cancellations, with passengers being diverted to alternative destinations as airlines establish their own response plans until the ash clears. Customer disappointment has been kept to a minimum due to early notification of flight cancellations, but thousands of passengers remain stranded, with estimates suggesting up to six million people could be affected if flights remain grounded for at least three days.

Key Takeaways:

• Over a dozen international airlines, including Qantas, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines, have been affected by the volcanic ash, forcing flight cancellations and diversions to alternative destinations.
• Australian airports have received early notification of disruptions, minimizing customer disappointment, although thousands of passengers remain stranded.
• Qantas has warned passengers that it may take until tomorrow for flights to resume their normal schedule.
• Approximately 1000 passengers en route to the UK were stranded in Singapore, while 350 were stranded in Hong Kong, and a similar number in Bangkok.
• Passengers are receiving accommodation and meal vouchers, but accommodation is limited due to the high number of stranded passengers in Asia.
• The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) estimates that up to six million passengers could be affected if flights remain grounded for at least three days.
• Most people will forfeit any costs associated with cancelled flights, as most travel insurance policies do not cover "an act of God."

Statistics:

• Number of airlines affected: 12 (Qantas, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Etihad Airways, Finnair)
• Number of passengers stranded in Singapore: 1000
• Number of stranded passengers in Hong Kong: 350
• Number of stranded passengers in Bangkok: 350
• Estimated number of passengers affected: up to six million
• Estimated number of days flights may be grounded: 3

Sources:

• Sydney Airport spokesman Michael Samaras
• Qantas spokesman David Epstein
• Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) statement