JOIN USBritain's Civil Aviation Authority said it agreed with airlines, regulators and engine manufacturers on new rules that would let planes fly for a limited time through higher ash densities than currently allowed. The rules which go into effect midday Tuesday are subject to airlines getting a guarantee from their engine makers that their aircraft can safely tolerate the ash.
The body said that so far British budget carrier Flybe was the only airline that satisfied those conditions, but it expected other airlines to follow soon and European authorities to introduce similar rules. British air traffic control company NATS said the new rules meant that restrictions on British airspace could now be eased.
"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," the company's CEO Richard Deakin said. "As a result of this change, there are no predicted restrictions on UK airspace in the immediate future."
London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports and Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport some of Europe's biggest air travel hubs reopened on Monday after they closed because of volcanic ash worries. All three warned travellers it would take time for airlines to clear the backlog of delayed flights and to contact their airlines before going to the airport.