Iceland volcano ash may reach France by Thursday

(ADPnews) - May 23, 2011 - Ash from the Icelandic volcano Grimsvotn could reach western France by Thursday if it continues to erupt at same intensity, according to European air-traffic control organisatioin Eurocontrol.



The ash could cause disruptions of air traffic across Europe, however, experts doubt the repetition of a similar scenario as last year after the eruption of Eyjafjallajokull, which had paralysed for several days a large part of trans-Atlantic and European airspace.



The main airport in Iceland is expected to remain closed on Monday for a second consecutive day after the eruption, which began on Saturday.



Franco-Dutch airline Air France-KLM (EPA:AF) may be affected by the ash cloud, even though volcanologists predict limited impact.



Last year, airlines lost EUR 1.2 billion (USD 1.7bn) in revenues due to volcano-related disruptions, according to estimates of The International Air Transport Association (IATA).



Meanwhile, Air France-KLM shares had plunged 3.71% to EUR 11.56 on Euronext Paris, today at 1319 CET.