Aviation industry ‘ignored calls to measure safe ash levels’

THE aviation industry ignored calls to investigate whether planes could fly in certain “safe” levels of ash cloud on three separate occasions between 2007 and early April 2010.

In recent days major European airlines have claimed they should be compensated by governments for loss of earnings caused by the banning of flights across the continent during the Icelandic volcano crisis.

The airlines – which include Ryanair, Virgin, and British Airways – have individually suggested authorities “over-reacted” by introducing the ban without obtaining specific evidence on the dangers of flying in certain ash cloud plumes.