The worst hit cargo were the imports of fresh fruit and vegetables into the UK. Besides them, no food imports have arrived into Europe by plane for almost a week.
“Even if British airspace opened up immediately, it would take a fortnight to clear the backlog of air freight destined for the UK, so we already face an unprecedented logistical challenge. Of course, for fresh produce, this could simply be too long a wait and some will simply have to be destroyed,” Christopher Snelling, FTA’s head of global supply chain policy told ausfoodnews.com.au.
The effects of the ash cloud in Europe can be felt all the way to Africa. With some 90 percent of the region's producers depending on air transport to get their products into Europe, the damage is significant.
“In some areas of the continent 90% of fruit, flowers and vegetable exports to Europe are delivered by air. With over one million African farmers reliant on the UK consumption of their fruit and vegetables, UK holidaymakers are not the only ones watching the skies,” Snelling added.
Although most of the European air space is slowly reopening, a new ash cloud is currently heading for Britain. Depending on the air currents, air travel may once again be affected by what will soon become history's biggest flight freeze.
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