UK airports reopen, scientists fear new volcano

Reykjavik/London, Apr 21: Even as the European airports are set to resume operations, scientists have warned of a new volcanic threat which could yet again ground flights and leave thousands of air travellers stranded.

Almost a week after the ash clouds brought the flight operations in UK to a grinding halt, all airports have been opened.

UK's Transport Secretary, Lord Adonis announced that the aviation operations resumed from Tuesday, Apr 20 evening. Europe's busiest airport, London's Heathrow also reopened on the same day.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) also declared on Tuesday, Apr 20 that it was safe to fly to Europe.

"Now when the authorities ... decided to re-establish the operations in Europe, that means that it is safe," ICAO president Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez told the media.

While the recommencement of flight operations comes as a relief to thousands of travellors across the world, there are reports of a larger threat.

Tremors at the Eyjafjallajokull glacier, where the previous volcano erupted, might trigger a stronger and dangerous eruption at the nearby Katla volcano, fear scientists.

If this takes place, the Eyjafjallajokull volcanic activity would just be an opening act to what may become the worst-case scenario for the aviation industry.

OneIndia News