Stranded tourists leave as U.K. flights return to normal

Fortunately for the island the volcanic ash cloud appeared in the northern European airspace at a time when there are few foreign tourists on holiday here, hence there was less disruption and fewer problems than in other destinations. Menorca airport itself was only closed for three hours on Sunday 18th causing the cancellation of 19 domestic flights which were rescheduled for last Tuesday when they took off on time. However, flights to the U.K. programmed for the Friday and Tuesday had to be cancelled meaning an unexpected, extended stay for many visitors.

In order to help stranded tourists, Monarch scheduled an extra flight last Wednesday which flew 133 passengers and 1 baby to Manchester. With the airline operating four flights on Friday (to Birmingham, Gatwick, Luton and Manchester) and some visitors having made alternative arrangements to return to the U.K., the backlog has now effectively been dealt with and there have been few problems.

As the Honorary Consul, Deborah Hellyer, commented, "most people realised it was nobody's fault and nothing could be done about it". There were no calls to her office from destitute people who had run out of money but she did hear that some visitors, forced to spend longer than expected on the island, opted to change hotels and chose all-inclusive deals so that costs were controlled.

The Hotel San Luís in S'Algar, which works with Saga Holidays, put on extra entertainment for their guests, including bingo, dances and various types of workshop and the Saga clients affected by the flight cancellations appear to have enjoyed their extended holiday.

However, the uncertainty of the situation has affected bookings for May. Whereas, prior to the incident, these were slightly higher than at the same period in 2009 (especially in the German market) they have now slowed down, according to ASHOME, the Menorcan Hoteliers' Association. Joan Melis, the association's President, lamented this fact as it has spoiled a start to the season which had not been too bad, considering that April is not a busy month.

Melis explained that it would be difficult to quantify the financial loss or the number of cancellations but it was clear that both small and large businesses had been affected.

Other areas of Spain which enjoy a stronger tourist season in the spring have been affected far more than Menorca and CEHAT (the Spanish Confederation of Tourist Hotels and Accommodation) has estimated that the sector was losing around 200 million euros a week. If losses incurred by the catering, transport and entertainment sectors were added, this figure could rise to 450 million euros per week.