Eight point plan to tackle aviation emergency

Shadow Transport Secretary Theresa Villiers says it is deeply concerning that volcanic ash cloud means further transport chaos.

As the travel crisis caused by the volcanic ash cloud continues into its fourth day, Villiers has set out eight key ways of dealing with the aviation emergency.

“With thousands of Britons stuck in airports overseas, it is hugely worrying that there is no end in sight for the flight ban", she said.

"This crisis is costing the economy millions of pounds every day and causing huge amounts of travel misery. Those who are stranded abroad need reassurance from the Government that they are doing all they can to help get people home and address the crisis."

The Conservatives' 8 point plan to tackle aviation emergency:

1. Charter ships to bring people home who are stranded in Europe, including troops stranded in Cyprus and work to ensure that border controls do not prevent a cross-Channel Dunkirk style rescue effort by boat owners;
2. Work with the CAA, the airlines and their insurers on producing the data on engine contamination needed for a full and objective assessment of the risks posed by volcanic ash, including consideration of whether test flights can safely be operated (following on from the precedent set by Lufthansa/KLM);
3. Work with the Met Office to ensure a high priority is given to accurate assessment of the extent and location of the ash cloud;
4. Provide assistance in bringing people home by deploying any spare Royal Navy capacity;
5. Allow the use of piston engine planes(where they have a licence to operate commercially and carry passengers) in efforts to get people home from European destinations;
6. Assist the airports and airlines in keeping passengers informed on the situation and any important developments;
7. Urge ferry and rail operators to retain their normal pricing structures during the crisis and not to introduce sudden and excessive price increases.
8. Issue an immediate and comprehensive statement on the steps the Government is taking to deal with the crisis, help people get home and get people flying again.