Been watching this event unfold and like many here was amazed at the reaction of NATS on day one to close airspace seemingly on the computer predictions of cloud dissipation. We continue to look at the clear blue skies as billions go up in smoke ,not just airline losses but the wider economy .
Well done to those operators who are getting airborne to conduct real evaluation of the environment and no doubt whoever made the decision to shut down are now trying to find a way out of the hole they have dug for themselves.
Air operators and aircraft commanders make decisions prior to and during every flight as to the safe conduct of that flight taking account of many factors including environmental conditions with reference to the regulations in their ops manuals which have been approved by the aviation authority and aircraft manufacturer. The ANSPs role is to coordinate the flow of traffic and ensure separation . They appear to have acted outside their remit this week as I don't believe they are qualified to decide whether it is safe for any or all aircraft to operate in this perceived threat .
No need for heroes but lets get back to the real world.