Ash cloud leaves scores of UK bound passengers stranded in Palma again

PALMA

AT least 27 flights between the UK, Ireland and the Balearics were cancelled yesterday as the volcanic ash cloud forced the closure of UK airspace yesterday morning.

Palma's Son San Joan airport was the worst affected with 20 in and out bound UK flights grounded.
Air restrictions were being lifted yesterday afternoon but as the above map for today indicates, the situation remains uncertain for today, according to airline industry and Civil Aviation sources.

Last week, the Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourism Accommodation (Cehat) said that the Balearics was the region second hardest hit by the six-day lock down last month which cost the region's hotel sector an estimated 60 million euros. If the situation continues through the summer, Cehat are calling for government aid to help offset the losses. SEE PAGE 10