Ash cloud disruption 'putting millions off flying'

Ferry travel could prove a popular alternative among the millions of people who have been put off flying this year by the recent disruption caused by the volcanic eruption in Iceland.

Research firm Mintel carried out a survey which found that 2.8 million people have already decided not to fly as a direct result of the ash cloud, which led to widespread flight cancellations and airport closures earlier in the year.

With 2.4 million consumers already having decided to take a holiday in the UK this year, the company said that there is a "sunny outlook" for domestic tourism.

This trend could provide further benefits for companies such as P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries, which experienced an increase in demand when the eruption occurred in April.

Mintel's senior travel analyst, Tom Rees, said: "The Eyjafjallajokull volcano is continuing to cause disruption and air strikes are also playing a part in denting consumer confidence.

"The full effect of the volcano - and the possibility that its sister Katla will also erupt - is extremely hard to predict, but these results highlight that domestic tourism is likely to benefit as a result."

Stena Line revealed this week that it is on course for a record summer as a result of increasing numbers of holidaymakers turning to ferry travel.

Posted by Andrew Smith