Lost in Saigon I guess from your response your not an expert in the field of volcanoes and the effects on jet engines of volcanic ash but as a commercial pilot just like me.
In your opinion it may be 'a large scale over reaction' but the experts disagree.
I think I will stick on the side of the volcanoe and engine experts.
PS its difficult to avoid something you cant see especially at night. Thats my opinion as a pilot not as a volcanic ash expert.