The Eyjafjallajokull glacier: volcanic activity in Iceland

Volcanaic activity in Iceland has resulted in a decision to "ground" most flights in/over U.K. airspace.  The activity is associated with the Eyjafjallajokull glacier.  The rights of many airline passengers affected by this could depend on the rather convoluted EU Regulation 261/2004.  EU Regulations are binding in the domestic law of EU Member States and do not require specific national legislation to implement them.  Further information is available via Europa and CAA.  What could happen to an aircraft caught by volcanic ash was demonstrated in 1982 by the Galunggung incident which did not end in disaster since it became possible (at a late stage) to regain some engine power.  See also KLM Flight 867 (Tokyo to Anchorage).