European air restrictions easing

Planes are taking to the skies in parts of Europe today, as restrictions to flying are eased.

Airspace in Belgium, Italy and Denmark is due to begin opening from Tuesday morning. Both Germany and France will start allowing flights later in the day.

It seems as though the tens of thousands of Europeans left stranded may soon be on their way home, thanks to an EU agreement yesterday evening.

Speaking about the decision, Siim Kallas, European Commissioner for Transport said:
“New air control measures can come into effect from eight o’clock Tuesday morning. We should see progressively more planes start to fly and this is good news for Europe’s stranded passengers, good news for the airline industry. There will be no compromise on safety.”

The airlines say the disruption has cost them over 185 million euros a day. But they’re not the only ones complaining. With many people unable to claim on their insurance, stranded passengers have been forced to fork out extra money for high ticket prices for whatever flights they could get. There is also the extra cost of accommodation and food for those with no way home.

Near Paris, the Red Cross set up tents with beds in a sport centre, to look after travellers from all over the world who have been stuck with nowhere else to go.

One American passenger staying at the centre said:
“We went to Paris airport last Saturday and we’ve been at the airport for the last three nights. We came here because we can’t afford a 200 dollars a night hotel plus food.”

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