Maybe some of you remember - about 4-6 weeks ago european ATC had a trial of closing airspace due to volcanic ash. There were pages and pages of NOTAMs all marked with "Excercise only" about an ash cloud approaching Europe from somewhere in the SW. Maybe Canaries or Azores, I forgot.
Seems like they were well prepared and had tried out the contingency plans, but I do agree with some of the posts above - maybe it is a bit too much caused partly by preset minds due to the exercise.
On the other hand - better safe than sorry! I'd hate to have my engines flame out on me, the winshield going blind, and then try to put it down somewhere...
But as I am off until monday, I will just sit in my chair and watch the developments -
Nic