Mercurio News Special: Volcanic ash over Europe

(Zwickau, 13th May 2010)

Dear reader,

You undoubtedly received the news that Eyjafjallajökull, a volcano in Iceland, started erupting after about 200 years again. Now, a month later, and still the ash from continuing eruptions forces airlines to cancel some flights. Holidaymakers remain uncertain about reaching their destinations or returning home on their planned dates. As an end to this situation cannot be definitely predicted we would like to send a short note on this subject to you:

What happened?
Since the first restrictions to European air traffic became public in April we have been watching developments very closely: High concentration of ash in the air forced governments all across the continent to close their airspace for about a week. Industry, authorities and government deal with it since. Limits of air pollution were re-evaluated and computer based models prepared and advanced. It is now possible to have 24 hrs before closing any airspace. Latest closures on the continent were less significant, lasting for less than a day each, primarily in Spain, Portugal and Germany. It also resulted into stretched flight paths for planes crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Measures taken by Mercurio Bike Travel:
To manage any inconvenience caused from possibly cancelled flights; we have developed a plan lately to support our guests in such a case. One of its elements is open communication to our present and future guests, with ready information on implications flight restrictions may have. Another is our extended availability directly before and after your holiday with us. For example, our team will be available by phone the entire weekend before our guests’ arrival at the airport. Moreover, we will be able to provide additional shuttle services from the airport on Mondays, the second day of all our tours. So you could take the next flight if offered as an alternative by the airline.

Those are only a few actions we have taken to assure hassle free and memorable cycling holidays for you. We hope this eases any concern you might have today. Please feel free to talk to us to discuss any specific topic or concern. We are here to help.

With best regards

Andre Volkel
Owner and tour guide

Mercurio Bike Travel - guided cycling holidays in Germany and Austria
~ Danube ~ Moselle ~ Rhine ~ Elbe ~