DATE: April 15, 2010
ATTN: Travel Manager/Arranger/Travelers

European countries are shutting their airspace today as a cloud of volcanic ash has drifted over from Iceland.  This ash cloud came from a volcanic eruption beneath Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull glacier early Wednesday.

Airpace over the United Kingdom is expected to be closed until 1:00am Central time Friday.  Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands (including the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam) also announced the closure of their airspace, authorities in each country said.  In addition, France is expected to close their airports, including Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, until 4:00pm Central time Friday.

In all, around 3,000 flights across Europe are expected to be affected by the closures, according to Eurocontrol, the intergovernmental body that manages European air travel.

Manchester England Airport spokesman Russell Craig said the ash poses a threat to aircraft, evenif it isn't visible in the air.  "If you think about the way an aircraft engine works, is sucks in air, it compresses it, forces it out the other side.  That creates thrust," Craig told CNN.  "If that air were mixed with ash, it can cause engine failure and electrical difficulties with an aircraft.  It's happened before, and the aircraft didn't come out the other end in one piece."

Travel One has run our PeopleTracker™ software to identify travelers affected by these flight cancellations and/or airport closures.  We are in the process of contacting companies and travelers to discuss travel options.

Travel One will continue to keep our clients informed of news and information that may affect their corporate travel program.  Please contact your Travel One reservationist at 952-854-2551 or 800-245-1111 for the most current travel information. 

For vacation travel, call Travel One at 952-854-2551 or 800-247-1311 and ask for a Leisure Agent.