Catseye - I have seen the volcanic encounter videos produced by both Boeing and Airbus. I have worked (as a Captain & TIRE) for airlines in Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong. So, I don't want to seem ignorant.
However - the key point of those presentations was that the aircraft inadvertently encountered a volcanic plume of sufficient density to cause problems.
I am not advocating a cavalier or careless attitude to volcanic plumes, per se.
I am mystified about how the current reaction can be reconciled with a simple visual observation. There is no ash cloud to speak of. At least that I can see.
If someone can see it - then I would accept that I am wrong. The point of my post is to ask - has anyone seen it? Has any one of the pilots flying around seen any evidence?