The Great Debate UK

Travellers could feel long-lasting impact of volcano disruption

- Professor Robert Bor is a clinical psychologist with a special interest in aviation and  travel psychology. He has published several books on this topic. The opinions expressed are his own. -

The opening of UK airspace on Wednesday will clearly bring some relief to travellers stranded around the world. For others, their misery and feelings of fear and uncertainty will continue well after they have returned home, and that could be still a few weeks for now.

The emotional dust cloud generated could even take months or longer to clear as people struggle to make sense of the vulnerability that they have experienced and hardships they have endured.

Many travellers will be confused by what they perceive to be conflicting information: less than 24 hours ago it was unsafe to fly and now today the authorities have changed their minds.