The National Air Traffic Services (NATS) released the following statement at 6pm, Monday, May 17:
NATS is delighted that restrictions on UK airspace can today be eased, thanks to new measures from the Civil Aviation Authority.
Aircraft can now safely fly through 'medium density' ash following the introduction of a new zone that defines the concentration of the ash cloud.
"NATS has been at the heart of this ground-breaking proposal and our people have worked very closely with the Irish Aviation Authority, CAA and the rest of the industry to make it happen," said NATS chief executive officer, Richard Deakin.
"Every leading player in aviation has been helping to build vast amounts of data about the effects of volcanic ash over the last month. There is mounting evidence that aircraft can fly safely through areas of medium density, provided some additional precautions are taken. This is now what has been agreed."
Deakin added that teams at NATS had been working all hours to create new and enhanced procedures to make sure the changes can take place as safely and as effectively as possible.
Previously, the CAA has dealt with the ash cloud by applying No-Fly Zones (NFZ) in areas of greatest ash density, and Enhanced Procedures Zones (EPZ) in areas of low density, which were introduced during the six-day crisis last month.
Today's breakthrough means a third Time Limited Zone (TLZ) is now being introduced for areas of medium ash density.
As a result of this change, there are no predicted restrictions on UK airspace in the immediate future. Pink Elephant suggests that you visit the NATS website for the most up to date information or check with your airline.
Pink Elephant would like to thank all of it’s customers for their patience and understanding during this difficult time. We are continuing our efforts to return your emails and answer your calls as quickly as possible.
If you have any questions or wish to cancel or amend a booking please click here for our contact us page or alternatively email volcano@pinkelephantparking.com.
Need to extend your parking? Stuck overseas and worried about being charged for additional days?
The majority of car parks we work with will NOT charge you for additional days' parking if you have been delayed because of the flight restrictions caused by the volcano. We've noticed some of our competitors are charging for additional days, and the advice from our experts is that your travel insurance may not cover these extra costs.
Contact us
If you have a query then please email us on volcano@pinkelephantparking.com, we promise to get back to you as soon as we can. Our lines are open until 11pm tonight on 0800 360 2658. Bookmark this page for the latest updates in information.
The Foreign Office has launched a special advice line for callers in the UK who were concerned about the well-being of relatives stranded overseas. The number is 020 7008 0000. The Scottish Government helpline for affected passengers can be reached on 0800 027 0504.
Important information on your holiday insurance with Pink Elephant Parking.com
Following the ongoing volcanic activity we are reiterating the cover afforded under our policies.
We do not consider volcanic ash to be 'adverse weather', therefore there is no cover under the 'UK Departure Assistance and Missed UK Connection' and the 'Missed Departure' sections.
Additionally, it is not a stated reason to cancel or curtail a trip and therefore there is no cover under the 'Cancellation, Curtailment and Trip Interruption' section.
Customers contacting us are advised to contact their airline or airport they are travelling from to find out the latest information regarding their travel arrangements.
The media has reported that BA, Ryanair, Aer Lingus and other airlines are offering refunds or rebooking of cancelled flights.
If policyholders do take up the offer of re-arranged flights, we will transfer their cover to their new travel dates. Should they not take up the offer of re-arranged flights, we will refund their premium if they have bought a single trip policy. For customers who are stranded abroad, your cover will automatically be extended until you are able to return back to the UK.