"Other contributing factors include the volcanic ash cloud and current economic climate affecting both airline and traveller decisions, " he said.

BBC: Cardiff Airport

But the no-fly zone still applied to most of Britain, and a new cloud of volcanic ash was reported to be on its way.

ECONOMIST: The effect on business and leisure

Liverpool's game at Atletico Madrid and Fulham's trip to Hamburg had been in doubt due to the cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland that has grounded flights.

BBC: Europa League semi-finals given provisional go-ahead