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NATO jet damage reported as Europeans get ready to fly
Monday 19th April, 2010
Losses in Europe from airlines, grounded because of the volcanic ash cloud which has been lingering in the skies above the continent, have climbed above $1 billion.
Airlines have been losing as much as $300 million per day, with compensation now being demanded from the European Union by the airline companies.
A group representing the airline industry has been critical of European leaders over the handling of the disastrous situation, which has grounded thousands of flights to and from Europe over the past five days.
British Airways has asked the EU for financial compensation for the closure of airspace, which began last Wednesday.
Heathrow was among the first airports shut down.
Air France-KLM, which has flown some test flights through the ash cloud, has insisted it is now safe to fly.
Because of the Air France-KLM flights, after discussions on Monday, European Union transport ministers reached a deal to divide northern European skies into three areas so flights could partially resume on Tuesday.
There is now a no-fly zone immediately over the ash cloud; a caution zone with some contamination where planes can fly subject to checks for engine damage; and an open-skies zone.
However, NATO fighter jets, which have returned to Europe after flying through some of Iceland's drifting ash plume, have reportedly suffered engine damage.
The NATO F-16 fighter jets suffered damage to their engines, with glass fragments being found.
Monday 19th April, 2010
Losses in Europe from airlines, grounded because of the volcanic ash cloud which has been lingering in the skies above the continent, have climbed above $1 billion.
Airlines have been losing as much as $300 million per day, with compensation now being demanded from the European Union by the airline companies.
A group representing the airline industry has been critical of European leaders over the handling of the disastrous situation, which has grounded thousands of flights to and from Europe over the past five days.
British Airways has asked the EU for financial compensation for the closure of airspace, which began last Wednesday.
Heathrow was among the first airports shut down.
Air France-KLM, which has flown some test flights through the ash cloud, has insisted it is now safe to fly.
Because of the Air France-KLM flights, after discussions on Monday, European Union transport ministers reached a deal to divide northern European skies into three areas so flights could partially resume on Tuesday.
There is now a no-fly zone immediately over the ash cloud; a caution zone with some contamination where planes can fly subject to checks for engine damage; and an open-skies zone.
However, NATO fighter jets, which have returned to Europe after flying through some of Iceland's drifting ash plume, have reportedly suffered engine damage.
The NATO F-16 fighter jets suffered damage to their engines, with glass fragments being found.
