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As has been widely reported in the media, the ash cloud caused by the volcanic activity in Iceland continues to cause significant disruption to global air travel resulting in unprecedented airport closures, flight delays and cancellations.
About 30 countries have closed or restricted airspace because of the particles in the air caused by volcanic activity in Iceland.
Update on current situation
No landings and take-offs are possible for civilian aircraft in Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, most of France, most of Germany, Hungary, Ireland, northern Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, north Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the UK. Southern Europe, including parts of Spain, Portugal, the southern Balkan area, southern Italy, Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey remain open and flights are taking place in these areas.
NSW Government Travel Manager CWT response to the crisis
Contingency plans are in place to handle the increase in call volume and reduce caller wait time as much as possible. Carlson Wagonlit (CWT) contingency planning includes increasing frontline and emergency service staff, extended working hours, and rerouting calls between our agencies – in place since Thursday last week and over the weekend, and continuing until the crisis is resolved.
Advice for travellers
CWT is working around the clock to provide assistance to affected travellers during the crisis. As each consultation requires a custom solution, please appreciate that call wait times are longer than usual.
CWT respectfully ask that callers limit the use of this extended service for immediate and urgent travel-related issues only, and appreciate your patience during these extraordinary events.
Please also be advised that airline information can change frequently and travellers should check their carrier’s website for the most current information.
Finally, CWT is anticipating the spike in call load for re-bookings that will occur as countries start to re-open airspace. Once air travel resumes, CWT will work with airlines to assess the 1st available flights and will prioritize repatriation of stranded travellers and those travellers who have had bookings outstanding since the beginning of the crisis.
CWT clients with future travel to impacted European destinations are advised to delay the trip or find an alternate (travel/non-travel) solution.
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