Thaindian News

PARIS (BNO NEWS) — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) criticized on Monday European governments for their “lack of leadership” in handling airspace restrictions in light of the Icelandic volcano eruption.

“This crisis is costing airlines at least $200 million a day in lost revenues and the European economy is suffering billions of dollars in lost business,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

“In the face of such dire economic consequences, it is incredible that Europe’s transport ministers have taken five days to organize a teleconference.”

“Governments must place greater urgency and focus on how and when we can safely re-open Europe’s skies. This means decisions based on risk-management, facts and utilizing operational procedures that maintain safety,” said Bisignani.

IATA criticized Europe’s unique methodology of closing airspace based on theoretical modeling of the ash cloud.

To assist governments in assessing risk, airlines have conducted successful test flights in several European countries. The results have not shown any irregularities or safety issues.

Airlines are also exploring various operational measures to maintain safe operations. These include day flights, restrictions to specific flight corridors, special climb and descent procedures, and more frequent detailed boroscopic engine inspections to detect damage.

Bisignani called for an urgent meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization to define government responsibility for the decisions to open or close airspace in a coordinated and effective way based on real data and special operating procedures.