Air travellers hit by the grounding of all flights by the volcanic ash threat can still claim most of their EU rights even though the disruption is beyond airlines’ control, the European Commission confirmed tonight.

UK holidaymakers put in false insurance claims worth hundreds of pounds – often saying they have a clear conscience because they have never made a claim before, according to a new report today.

British holidaymakers waste £1.3bn (€1.96bn) each year on travel insurance, according to research published today.