The North African Connection

 

Icelandic volcano eruption

Map of North Africa

Annoyed and miserable travelers may have a better way getting around future Volcano eruptions by utilizing North Africa's travel ports.

By Yussuf J. Simmonds
Managing Editor

The Iceland volcano acted as a no fly zone over Europe for travelers causing massive flight cancellations, groundings and postponements. As rumors surface of more volcanic activity not only from Eyjafjallajokul but from a larger and more dangerous volcano, Katla, North Africa may be the best route to go.

Reaching the United Kingdom, Europe and Western Russia was impossible a month ago when Eyjafjallajokul erupted April 14. It was known as the biggest airspace shutdown in Europe since WWII. The ash cloud affected over 100,000 flights and eight million passengers.

The Iceland volcano has settled down and the ash cloud is being cleared by the winds. Travel is picking up again, but there are still concerns because scientists say the volcano still shows signs of activity.

Now a new concern, Katla, has reared its head. In a quote given to the press about Katla, experts said "an eruption in short term is a strong possibility." This volcano is a larger and fiercer volcano than Eyjafjallajokul and could further impede travel once again.

Travelers may do well to select another route should further eruptions occur in the future. North Africa may be one of the best ways to get to European destinations. There are strategic locations along Northern countries of Algeria, Libya and Egypt.

There are ports along the coast of North Africa that could be taken to reach Southern parts of Europe. Travel across the Mediterranean and by land through Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey may be other choices.

It's already been reported that many stranded travelers in the UK and other European countries have used buses, trains and cars to get to their destinations. North Africa may be the new ticket to get to Europe if another eruption occurs.

 

• < Prev in International
• Next in International >