You may have thought that the volcanic ash crisis that practically shutdown European airspace last week was over but unfortunately it appears that the disruption may have far reaching effects. According to the Centre for Economics and Business Research, the losses the airlines suffered due to the disruption coupled with rising oil prices is likely to add up to a 5% increase in air fares this year and double that next year.

The aerospace shutdown is estimated to have cost European airlines approximately £1.3 billion pounds and will have a significant impact on many airline’s profitability. The ash cloud was a significant blow to the already struggling European airlines, meaning they are likely to pass on their rising costs to passengers as we head into the peak travel season.

This news will add further frustration to those hoping to head abroad this summer as reports are now circulating that the shutdown of European airspace was unnecessary.

Prices are likely to continue to rise as we approach the summer months and this applies not only to flights but for the travel industry in general. Travellers are advised to book their accomodation, flights and car hire as early as possible for the cheapest rates.

We compare prices from all of the major car hire providers across Europe to ensure you get the best deal possible. Check out our great deals now at ecbonline.com.

The eruption of Mount Eyjafjallajökull on the 21st of March has caused chaos to the aviation industry across Europe. This unprecedented event has left an estimated 5 million people stranded or unable to fly. But why has this particular eruption prevented planes from flying?

Apart from the obvious visibility problems, volcanic ash can cause airplane engines to cease functioning completely. The ash is composed of very fine particles which can damage airplane engines and even suffocate them completely, causing them to fail.

The International Air Transport Association estimates that airlines will lose about €150,000,000 each day during the disruption.

With few planes travelling throughout Europe, there is a heavy demand for ferry services and for car hire. Here at ECB Online we are receiving an unprecedented amount of calls and emails and we are doing are very best to get through them all. Please note that after business hours (08:30 – 17:00) please email us at sales@ecbonline.com or just press the Contact button on our website and send us through your query. We endeavor to answer emails on the same day that they are received.

We also ask visitors to note that currently international one way bookings are unavailable. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes and the international one way service will be up and running again as soon as possible.

We do however have pickup and drop off points available at a number of city, port and railway locations across Europe. Many have already availed of this service to find alternative transport home.

Visit ECB Online now to check out our fantastic car hire deals.

A number of surveys have recently concluded that car hire prices are most definetely on the up. Price comparisons between popular car hire locations this year and last year for the same period, show that prices are almost two-thirds more expensive than they were last year.

Many car hire companies have had to reduce their fleets as the recession has hit and this means that in some destinations, there simply aren’t enough cars.

Many suppliers are already bracing themselves for severe shortages during the summer months. Ireland is one of the regions particularly affected by the shortages with demand expected to far outstrip supply in the coming months.

One way to minimize cost is to simply book your car hire as early as possible. The longer you leave it, the more expensive it gets. Last minute bookings will be especially expensive and travellers may find that in some regions, leaving it to the last minute means there are no cars available.

At Ecb Online, we can confidently claim to offer some of the most competitive rates on the market. We compare prices from all of the major car hire companies and return the cheapest results so that YOU get the best deal available.

Whether your hiring a car in Europe or Australia our prices are not to be missed especially in these difficult economic times.

Check out our prices at ECB Online now!