Short Term Effects of a Volcanic Eruption in Iceland on Air Traffic and Air Traffic Control

Abstract

The effects of a volcanic eruption in Iceland on trans Atlantic flights are studied in this paper. Volcanic activity, type of eruptions and simulation of a dispersion of particles based on meteorological data are considered. Potential hazards faced by air traffic and impacts on air traffic control during the first hours of an eruption are evaluated by simulating air traffic correlated with ash cloud simulation. A one-year simulation is done to fully integrate the diverseness of the weather into the outcome of the study. It is concluded that a volcanic eruption in Iceland can have great affect on air travel. The area affected by the volcanic eruption can be quite large within a short period of time. Further, there can be a significant number of aircraft airborne when the eruption starts. A vast majority of the aircraft can be affected either directly or indirectly. The results have revealed that although there are flights in the Reykjavik control area at a short distance from the initial ash cloud that have to be handled effectively, the majority of the flights that need handling are within the Scottish control area at the time of eruption. Further, the Shanwick control area can expect to receive a large portion of the flights affected. Effective cooperation between Reykjavik, Scottish and Shanwick is critical for a successful outcome when a volcanic eruption occurs.