ST. JOHN’s, Nfld. – Air Canada flights to and from Newfoundland airports resumed Monday morning after early morning cancellations over concerns the ash cloud caused by last week’s volcanic eruption would reach Canada’s east coast.
"Should the ash . . . return as a risk factor, airports and air carriers would be advised and adjust operations accordingly," said Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick on Monday morning.
Officials were concerned the ash cloud caused by a volcanic eruption in Iceland would reach Newfoundland and disrupt flights.
Transport Canada said it was working with Environment Canada and NAV Canada to monitor weather patterns and said it would update travellers and airlines as the situation develops.
The ash cloud however, continues to affect Canadians and their air travel.
Foreign affairs minister Lawrence Cannon has postponed a trip to Russia, Croatia and Finland because of the volcanic ash, his office announced although he may still participate in the NATO ministerial Meeting in Estonia.
Meanwhile, as European officials said they would look into allowing more flights to resume Monday, much uncertainty remained in the transport plans of Canadian travellers stranded by flight cancellations in the aftermath of last week’s volcano eruption.
Most of Europe’s airspace has been closed for four days due to a sprawling ash cloud from the volcano, keeping many continental and trans-Atlantic flights grounded.
On Monday, the Air Transport Association (IATA) criticized the European government for their handing of the transportation crisis.
IATA officials urged governments to re-think their "decision-making process.
"We are far enough into this crisis to express our dissatisfaction on how governments have managed it – with no risk assessment, no consultation, no co-ordination, and no leadership. This crisis is costing airlines at least $200 million a day in lost revenues and the European economy is suffering billions of dollars in lost business," said Giovanni Bisignani, director general and CEO for IATA in a news release. "In the face of such dire economic consequences, it is incredible that Europe’s transport ministers have taken five days to organize a teleconference."
Also on Monday, Britain said it was sending a couple of war ships across the English Channel to France to pick up stranded travellers.
The aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal and the warship HMS Ocean are expected to be sent across the English Channel to retrieve British citizens.
Air Canada said it would only be able to confirm impact to flights to Europe following the scheduled meetings by European officials.
On Sunday, after successful test flights by a number of European airlines, officials predicted about half of all booked flights would operate on Monday.
Any sign that the airport chaos may be coming to an end would be welcome news for Canadians stranded abroad.
Dave Bailey was stranded in Lisbon, Portugal, while on a business trip.
The Montreal man said he was considering driving 1,600 kilometres to a meeting in Marseilles, France.
"It’s Mother Nature, what can you do?" said Bailey, 58.
The volcano has cost at least an estimated $200 million a day, officials said.
European Union Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas said he hoped 50 per cent of European airspace would be risk-free on Monday.
"We cannot wait until the ash flows just disappear," he said.
Meanwhile, parents of 62 Montreal-area students stuck in London, England, were relieved to hear the Grade 11 class was "very safe and secure."
The families of the Lindsay Place High School students – who were on a graduation trip to Europe – met with principal Jim Aitken on Sunday.
The travel problems have created some fodder for a few famous people. Leaving Newfoundland early Monday morning, after the Juno awards, Industry Minister Tony Clement wrote on Twitter: "Ashmageddon! St John’s about to be hit by Volcano ash from that mtn no one can pronounce in proper Icelandic! "
He also joked that teen singing sensation, Justin Bieber, had butted ahead of him in line.
"Now Bieber entourage gave autographed photos to Air Canada gate staff! To get in front of line! Bet that won’t work for me . . . "
With files from Reuters, St. John’s Telegram, Montreal Gazette, Calgary Herald, Edmonton Journal, Allison Cross, Canwest News Service and Ottawa Citizen
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