•Airports call for ‘single point of accountability’ to deal with volcanic ash disruption

•Airports, airlines and passengers need reliable information and clear, consistent communications

•Failure to act is resulting in confusion for passengers and mounting costs for airports and airlines

As passengers dealt with further disruption to air travel as a result of the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, UK airports called for the Government to take urgent action to reduce disruption by volcanic ash.

AOA Chairman Ed Anderson said “volcanic ash has been causing disruption for weeks, but it is only in the last 24 hours that we have seen renewed impetus to put procedures in place to safeguard against unnecessary disruption whilst ensuring the safety of passengers. That delay is unacceptable. Existing arrangements are leaving passengers confused.”

“Over the weekend we saw NATS, CAA and DfT issuing conflicting statements on which airports were open or closed. The result was that passengers were less well informed, rather than better.

“We need a single point of accountability: one organisation which is responsible for decisions on airspace, which provides reliable information, and provides a clear and consistent message to our passengers.

Mr Anderson went on to add “we do not know how much longer the eruption will continue, but every day of additional disruption is causing chaos for travellers, and is costing airports and airlines tens of millions of pounds a day. Firm Government action is now needed to put in place measures to guard against unneeded disruption, restore travellers’ confidence when booking a flight, and to ensure that the mounting financial impact on UK airports and airlines is addressed.

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Notes to Editors:

1.The Airport Operators Association (AOA) is the trade association that represents the interests of British airports. Our membership comprises 72 airport companies, representing all of the nation's international hub and major regional airports in addition to many serving community, business and general aviation.

2.For further information, and for media requests, please contact David Bishop (Head of Policy) – 07917 681940; or Ed Anderson (Chairman) - 07711 837717