Air traffic increases across Europe but disruptions to continue

THE number of flights over Europe increased thanks to the changed rules, but disruptions will continue because volcanic ash clouds still hang over much of the continent.

Some 14,000 flights took place, increased from 8,700 on Monday, which was still only half the normal level of air traffic on a Tuesday.

Airlines are pressing the EU to suspend rules that require they pay hotel and meal costs for stranded passengers. So far none of the companies have applied for state aid to offset losses running at an estimated €1 billion.