Press Release: European measures to minimise disruption caused by volcanic ash

Guidelines issued on 21 May 2010 will help to minimise airspace closures in the event of volcanic ash reaching Europe without compromising safety standards. This is the result of the European Commission, Eurocontrol and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) working closely together with airlines, regulators, and aircraft and engine manufacturers over the past month. The improved approach will offer Member States greater flexibility in deciding how to manage their airspace, allowing for less flight disruption while still ensuring the highest level of safety. In addition the Commission and Eurocontrol have decided to create a European Aviation Crisis Coordination Cell (EACCC) to ensure a timely response to any future pan-European crisis severely affecting aviation.

• Primary Source

European Aviation Safety Agency: Communication, May 2010: Joint European Commission/Eurocontrol/EASA volcanic ash avoidance measures offer more flexibility http://easa.europa.eu/ws_prod/g/volcanic-ash-avoidance-measures.php

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