Tapescript 14

Concerns about volcano overreaction

Rachael Brown reported this story on

 

Monday, April 19, 2010 08:12:00

TONY EASTLEY: European airlines and airports are questioning whether the current blanket ban on flights, because of Iceland's volcanic cloud, may be an overreaction. As the paralysing restrictions head into a fifth day, many air operators are questioning whether fears about the volcanic ash and its ability to cause catastrophic engine failure are warranted.As the bank-up of frustrated, stranded passengers grows, emergency talks are being convened and in Britain there's even talk the navy might be called in to help.Rachael Brown reports from London.RACHAEL BROWN: It's an uneasy scene at Portsmouth Harbour; hundreds of people crammed into the ferry terminal who have already been waiting for days yell and jeer at police when told there'll be further immigration delays.WOMAN: So what are they queuing up for? There's going to be civil unrest.RACHAEL BROWN: It's a scene that epitomises this air crisis - commuters abandoning one queue, only to find themselves at the back of another. As the air lockdown enters a fifth day, already 63,000 flights have been cancelled. Airlines say they're bleeding $1.7 million an hour. And with test flights from France, Germany and Holland returning seemingly unscathed, they're wondering whether it's even worth it.Two bodies representing Europe's airlines and airports say volcanoes have erupted in other parts of the world, and have never warranted the level of restrictions being enforced in Europe. They are calling on the regulator to reassess the blanket ban. The European Transport Secretary Siim Kallas was asked if this was another swine flu, just a lot of hot air.SIIM KALLAS: You know this is Europe - is very much based on the rules and rules have been accepted and adopted after 2004, the International Civil Aviation Organisation's recommendations.RACHAEL BROWN: He'll be going by the book. But whether the airlines are, is confusing. EU airlines are supposed to ensure accommodation and food but stranded commuters like surgeon Christine McCandy are hearing a different story.CHRISTINE MCCANDY: We get the just repetitive answer, no there's no duty of care because of adverse weather, or it's an act of god and so we have no duty of care.RACHAEL BROWN: The UK Government is considering setting up a hub in the south of Spain, to help stranded commuters reach the channel.The UK's Security Minister, Lord West.LORD WEST: We clearly have a reasonable lift capacity within the royal navy for lifting people. That's being looked at the moment to see what's available - particularly in the amphibious force itself which can lift a whole brigade if necessary.But also we have an ability to take up ships in trade. All of this is being looked at the moment.RACHAEL BROWN: So as airlines shuffle back their reopening time every few hours, volcanologists are more pragmatic; saying when Iceland's volcano stops spurting ash, the existing plume will take days to dissipate.Those who are enjoying the rare peace are publicans in Hatton, beside Heathrow airport. But over the airport fence, columns of salmon ready for import start to go off, and conveyor belts usually heaving with fresh fruit are empty.The crisis is starting to effect pharmaceutical supplies, and even bone-marrow donation deliveries.This is Rachael Brown in London reporting for AM