May 17, 2010 - Volcanic Ash over European Airspace

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Home - Health & Safety - Special Bulletins - May 17, 2010 - Volcanic Ash over European Airspace

May 17, 2010 - Volcanic Ash Over European Airspace

Background

As you may have noticed in the news, the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano in Iceland has been sending ash into European airspace intermittently since April 14^th. These eruptions caused flight cancellations because airplanes cannot fly through the ash.

There are no current flight restrictions, so we hope this topic has come to a close. In the event that it reemerges, however, many of you have questions about whether this will impact your study abroad experience.

Potential Implications

Student travel could be disrupted and they could arrive late to the program start date.

GLS Actions

(1) GLS programs will not be affected and will start on their regularly scheduled start date.

(2) GLS is informing all students about the volcanic ash situation and is recommending that students first get in touch with their airline to find out whether their flight is being changed/cancelled and to determine what arrangements the airline is making, if any, to accommodate passengers. Students should check with other airlines that offer different flight paths/transit points and change their flight if they are concerned they will not arrive in time for the program’s start date.

(3) For students who inform GLS that they will no longer be arriving on the scheduled pickup date, GLS will help the students make airport transfer arrangements and/or suggest accommodation arrangements (for students who might arrive before the program start date). These arrangements will be at the student’s expense and should be taken into account when making alternative travel arrangements.

Q&A Section

Q: How do I know if the volcanic ash will affect my flight?

A: You must get in touch with your airline to find out whether your flight is being changed/cancelled and to determine what arrangements the airline is making, if any, to accommodate passengers.

Q: What if my flight is going to be affected?

A: You should check with other airlines that offer different flight paths/transit points and change your flight if you are concerned you will not arrive in time for the program’s start date. You should then notify your local Program Coordinator immediately (through your Student Explorer account or via e-mail) of any changes to your itinerary.

Q: What airlines fly to Cyprus?

A: Here is a list of Airlines that fly to/from Cyprus:

British Airways
Alitalia
American Airlines
Olympic Airlines
Aegean Airlines
Monarch Air
Malev
Cyprus Airways
Lufthansa
KLM
Emirates
Air France
Delta
Austrian Airlines
Czech Airlines
Aeroflot
Tarom
Gulf Air
Egypt Air
MEA
LOT
Royal Jordanian

Q: What happens if I do not notify GLS of changes to my flight itinerary on time?

A: GLS will not be able to make arrangements and you will be responsible for finding your way from Larnaca airport to Nicosia. You should have your housing address with you and the means to pay for the type of transportation you choose (for example, cash in Euros).

Q: What happens if I cannot arrive on the scheduled pickup date?

A: Please inform GLS and your local Program Coordinator and we will help you make other arrangements. You will be responsible for these charges (taxi, etc.).

Q: Have flights to Cyprus been affected?

A: Thus far, flights that connect in countries in Southeastern Europe have been least affected by the volcanic ash situation. However, given the unpredictability of the direction the ash will travel, it is important to check with your airline regarding whether your flight will be cancelled and what arrangements the airline is making to accommodate passengers. If you are concerned that you will not arrive on time, you should check with other airlines that offer different flight paths/transit points that will avoid the ash cloud.

Q: What about flights to other cities in Europe?

A: You must get in touch with your airline to find out whether your flight is being changed/cancelled and to determine what arrangements the airline is making, if any, to accommodate passengers. If you are concerned that you will not arrive on time, you should check with other airlines that offer different flight paths/transit points that will avoid the ash cloud.

Q: Where can I find updated information about European air traffic?

A: Eurocontrol, the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation, posts daily updates about the European air traffic situation. You can access these updates by clicking on the following link:

https://www.eurocontrol.int/corporate/public/site_preferences/display_news_list.html

The most important thing to do is to check with your airline.

In Conclusion

1) Check your flight with British Airways if you are flying with them

2) Notify GLS and your local Program Coordinator of any changes