One million euros for volcano chaos

ONE million euros has been set aside to compensate French citizens still trapped abroad after a volcanic eruption shut European airspace.

"As this is an exceptional situation, I have released one million euros to help our citizens pay the extra expenses they've suffered by being stuck abroad for so long," said Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner.

An estimated 30,000 French people are still waiting to be repatriated as flight schedules begin to return to normal following a week of disruption to European air traffic.

"French airspace is now open but too many French people are still waiting for places to become available on planes to get back to France," added Mr Kouchner.

The government has set the goal of repatriating over the weekend all French people stuck abroad.

Ecology Minister Jean-Louis Borloo has asked airlines to give priority to those stranded abroad above their usual commercial schedules.

A spokesman said the government was still considering organising charter flights, with Thailand a likely priority following the outbreak of riots in the country.

Air France has laid on additional flights from the Antilles, Réunion, Bangkok, Delhi and Peking.

Ryanair

Ryanair has announced it will pay 'reasonable' expenses to those whose flights were cancelled as a result of the volcanic ash cloud.

Airline boss Michael O'Leary had said it would only reimburse hotels and other expenses up to the cost of the original ticket price .

While O'Leary had said the airline would fight compensation battles in court, yesterday he said Ryanair would refund reasonable expenses.

He added the airline would continue to fight 'unfair' European law which placed the onus on airlines to compensate passengers following the eruption.

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