Dear Readers,
Watching the enormous plumes of dust and ash rising from Eyjafjallajokull, it is hard to imagine that this almost week-long eruption would not have any effect on weather and climate.
But that is the likelihood; that the impact on Britons, Europeans and the citizens of the wider world will be limited to the cancelled flights, with no other effects on the skies.
The economic impact of the ensuing travel chaos would be greater than the September 11, 2001 attacks. According to IATA, a conservative estimate of the financial impact on airlines is in excess of US $250 million per day in lost revenues. In addition to lost revenues, airlines incurred added costs for re-routing aircrafts and care for stranded passengers alongside stranded aircrafts at various airports. Airlines typically are uninsured against this type of event.
The impact on the tourism industry is very difficult to assess. The traffic arrivals from and into Europe were almost completely halted for about six days, hotels in most countries affected by flights bans. Although the flights resumed but the detrimental impact to airlines may linger through the vacation season. There could be a high incidence of vacationers originally destined for Europe deferring or altering travel plans due to uncertainty of possible future flight disruptions from volcanic ash.
The volcano will cause losses to more than just airlines. It couldn't have come at a worse time for the travel industry, which contributes $ 1 trillion to the economy, as the summer vacation season is just starting up. The volcano costs this industry $ 5 - 10 billion a week. No one would have thought that a volcanic eruption would have such a chilling effect on the airlines and tourism industry. Beside that blocked shipments of goods are also reportedly stacking up in Asian countries, while some African exporters of fresh flowers and vegetables have to throw away tones of rotting stock.
Some industry leaders have begun asking for compensation from European governments or from the European Union, similar to the way airlines were compensated in 2001 after air travel was halted in the United States in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
This is a very unusual problem that tourism industry is not equipped to deal with. The governments should come forward to support the industry amidst such chaotic situations. Anyway, leave all worries aside and go through this special issue that will help you in planning your summer vacations on the Isles of your very own Asia.
Happy Travelling

Editor