Ashes to ashes

As a result of the continued eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano, not only are tens of thousands of British holidaymakers stranded abroad with no indication of when they can return, but also a large number of firms are facing to the prospect of severe economic disruption.

The danger to the increasingly precarious airline industry from any prolonged closure of European airspace is clear. But the longer the crisis drags on, the greater the risk to other companies dependent on air freight for their supplies.

Indeed, with ash continuing to pour out of the volcano and the wind patterns predicted to bring it Britain's way for at least the rest of the week, the extent to which this country relies on air transport may become painfully clear.