More interesting to me (because I didn't stop flying) is the behaviour of those making the rules. Why did they not (quickly) ask people who have done this before? Alaskan Airlines have rules and procedures for volcanic eruptions because they meet them quite often. Iceland has had eruptions before now and managed without bringing the continent to a standstill.
Our European regulators and politicians seem to have sat tight on their overfed backsides until the industry shouted loudly enough to make it very uncomfortable. I'd like to know why they weren't doing the job they are paid to perform on our behalf?
CAA did talk to those people urgently, and were meeting urgently with overseas authorities, engine and aircraft manufacturers, and a great many scientific specialists to get the fastest possible resolution.
I was in many of those meetings, and was routinely talking to CAA and Met Office people any time between 6am and midnight; this all continues as they review the decisions made.
Just because you weren't there, doesn't mean it didn't happen.
G