Eyjafjallajökull - Who wins and who loses?

Airlines - LOSERS!

Obviously the main casualty is the airline industry. The industry is estimated to be losing £130 million a day and could hardly come at a worse time, considering it is already expected to lose £1.4 billion this year. Travel companies are also being hit hard - TUI who own First Choice & Thomson claim they are losing between £5m and £6m a day.

Other Transport - WINNERS!

Eurostar, P&O ferries and train services across Europe and the UK have recorded huge surges in passenger numbers as people find alternative methods to get home.

Tourism - MMMMM?

The effect will be small if the disruption doesn't last too long, particularly as this is not the main peak time for tourism in Europe. Customers stranded and spending more will make up for the expected loss from those unable to make the trip. However, if the disruption continues, it would have a much greater impact if it lasts into the busy summer months.

Imports & Exports - DEPENDS

The disruption has businesses who deal in perishable goods generally transported by air - e.g. food and flowers. Africa and South America, producers of much fresh food transported to Europe are experiencing serious losses. However, most international trade uses road, rail and sea freight - only 1% of UK's trade is carried by air.

Other Business Costs - LOSERS!

Staff being stranded, air mail being delayed and meetings being cancelled are likely to result in lost money for businesses and productivity is expected to suffer as staff can't get back to work.

Economic Growth - MMMMMMM?

If it is short-term, the economic impact is expected to be minimal - however, an extended period without air transport could be very damaging, particularly as the economy is just recovering from recession. A possible drop of 1% and 2% for some European countries could result in no growth for this year.