Most people support the closure of British airspace during the initial volcanic ash crisis, an exclusive consumer survey for Travel Weekly has revealed.
Tom Costley, head of research partner TNS RI Travel & Tourism, said 80% of members of the public agreed the authorities were right to close UK airspace until they were certain the safety threat had cleared.
However, a quarter of those surveyed believe the decision to resume flying could have been taken sooner.
TNS surveyed 2,119 members of the public between April 30 and May 4, two weeks after the disruption.
Costley added that when the survey was carried out the volcanic ash cloud was still being viewed as a freak event and had little effect on people’s booking habits.
Just 7% indicated they would be more likely to book a break in the UK, while 10% said they would be more likely to book a package holiday.
However, one in five said they would be far more likely to ensure they had the correct travel insurance.
Costley admitted travellers’ opinions may well have changed as the cloud continued to disrupt travel, adding: “As a one-off event, it was unlikely to have a significant impact on travel patterns for the rest of 2010, with the possible exception of an increase in travel insurance.
“However, the further disruption in recent days has been a reminder that such events may be a recurring theme.”
Compensation survey: Who should pay?
While 39% of those surveyed by TNS believe the protection afforded by travel insurance for ash clould delays is adequate, 44%believe additional compensation should be paid.
However, consumers disagree about who should be supplying the compensation, as these results show:
- 21% airlines
- 18% UK government
- 13% tour operators
- 11% travel agents
- 4% hotel operators
TNS surveyed 2,119 members of the public between April 30 and May 4
Image: A 1996 eruption on the Vatnajokull Glacier, Iceland – Sipa Press / Rex Features