Air travellers to be hit by delays as flights resume

Ferry travel will continue to provide an alternative to flights today (April 21st), with passengers warned to expect severe delays at airports as carriers resume operations following the volcanic ash crisis.

Thousands of people have been affected by the aviation shutdown caused by a volcanic eruption in Iceland over the past six days, leading to unprecedented demand for ferry services.

While UK airspace was reopened last night, travellers have been warned that there will be delays as airlines attempt to clear the backlog of passengers.

There is also a possibility that flights could be suspended again if the situation regarding the plume of volcanic ash worsens.

Frances Tuke, a spokeswoman for travel industry association Abta, said: "We don't know whether this is going to be a temporary situation or a permanent one.

"We don't know what is going to happen with the eruption so there is that to consider. The other thing to remember is that aircraft and crew are going to be in the wrong place."

People planning to travel between the UK and Europe have options including Stena Line's ferries from Harwich to Hook of Holland and the Dover to Calais ferry route, which is served by P&O Ferries and Seafrance.

There are also several services available between the UK and Ireland, including Norfolkline's ferries from Liverpool to Belfast and Irish Ferries' Holyhead to Dublin ferry link.

Posted by Andrew Smith