France says European countries can gradually resume air traffic in designated ‘caution zones’
By APMonday, April 19, 2010
France: EU poised to resume limited air traffic
PARIS — European transport officials have carved up the sky, creating three zones to break the flight deadlock caused by a cloud of volcanic ash flowing from Iceland over Europe.
France said Monday that European countries can resume airline traffic in designated “caution zones” where the threat of ash is considered less dangerous.
Under the accord, one area — defined by the European air traffic control agency Eurocontrol — will remain entirely off limits to flights. Another area will be open to all flights and a third area will be a caution zone in which some flights will be allowed.
Jean-Louis Borloo, the No. 2 French Cabinet official, says flights in the caution zone will be “very secure” with many tests on engines.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
PARIS (AP) — France says European countries can gradually resume air traffic in designated “caution zones.”
The prime minister’s office says France — after a meeting of European transport ministers — is among the European countries whose air space will be opened to some air travel under tight security precautions.
