Act of God grounds holiday makers

Restrictions (which will affect thousands) have been enforced by The Air Traffic Control Service, after fears the plume could damage aircraft engines. Experts have warned that the content of the cloud could include particles of rock, glass and sand could which pose a risk to the safe running of any aircraft that comes into contact with it.

Steve Williams, head of travel insurance at Confused.com said: ‘The situation is incredibly rare and insurance providers will treat the occurrence in different ways. It is unfortunate that there is not one standard approach when an ‘Act of God' happens - this will be referred to as catastrophe cover in policies. For holidaymakers that experience delays, cancellations and costs, as a result will need to contact the airline provider in the first instance. They will offer alternative flights and where cancellations have occurred alternative dates for your trip. I advise passengers to keep a watchful eye on this situation as it is changing very quickly. Expecting a delay at this point would be prudent of travellers and they should take activities and refreshments with them to ensure their prolonged stay in an airport is as bearable as they can make it.'