Airlines, tour operators face dealing with disruption

The renewal of flights still leaves airlines and tour companies with the challenge of repatriating thousands of stranded passengers. The closure of Prague airport, the busiest in Central Europe, meant that around 50,000 passengers were unable to pass through it over the weekend. The airport estimated that around 1,200 flights were cancelled since Friday. Many passengers switched to long distance rail services and buses because of the disruption but they could still not cope with demand in spite of extra services being laid on. Czech Railways said its earnings from international services were five times normal. Experts say passengers will have problems claiming compensation because the volcanic ash is regarded as an unavoidable, natural act.