VOLCANIC ASH
May 19, 2010
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change
Stewart Stevenson MSP
T:08457741741
E: scottish.ministerS®scotland.gsLgov.uk
Dear Owen
The disruption to aviation we have experienced in the last 5 weeks has proved extremely challenging for all those involved but particularly for individual travellers, businesses large and small and of course airlines and airports. As a Government, we have undertaken to ensure that the decisions taken by the regulatory bodies are based on sound evidence and forecasting and are proportionate and that the impact of the closures and subsequent disruption are mitigated as much as possible through working with airlines, airports and alternative transport providers to ensure we understand where the main disruption will be, that our transport network can cope with the additional demands placed upon it and where necessary, additional capacity is provided. We have also worked hard to ensure that lines of
communication between those feeding into airspace closure decisions, those taking the decisions and those affected are fit for purpose.
Quick and reliable communication has a huge role to play during the disruption we are currently experiencing. You will be aware that at the beginning of the disruption the Scottish Government reacted immediately to help those stranded abroad and their anxious friends and families at home by establishing a Homecoming Helpline which provided advice on travel, health, visa and other issues. The line has now closed having fielded more than 2,000 calls and provided advice which facilitated the return of many of those stranded.
It is obviously still difficult to predict how long the current disruption will last. In moving to a phase where individuals and businesses will wish to make more informed decisions about where, when and how they travel in the coming weeks and potentially months, I would encourage you and your members to make best use of the sources of regular information updates which are available. The Scottish Government's own website provides regular updates including 3 tier general advice to travellers on current levels of disruption and links to the websites of airports, airlines, the CAA, the National Air Traffic Service (NATS),the Met Office and alternative travel operators amongst others. The website address is http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Home.
The Met Office has recently introduced a 5 day ash forecast service available at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/corporate/pressoffice/2010/pr20100516.html. It must be stressed that the 5 day charts are based on observed volcanic activity at the time of issue and should be regarded as indicative only. Details of the latest airspace restrictions are available on the NATS website at http://www.nats.co.uk. Airspace restriction policy is the responsibility of the CM and the latest developments can be found at http://www.caa.co.uk.
Our message for travellers about to embark remains that they should continue to check the position with their airlines before travelling to the airport. Updates are also available on the main media outlets such as the SSC Scotland News website.
I hope this is a helpful pointer for you and your members and I would be grateful if you would ensure that it is disseminated to them.
Kind regards
STEWART STEVENSON
