1. Why do European airlines say they are "embarrassed" by airspace closures?

2. How is British Prime Minister Gordon Brown attempting to assist British travelers stranded outside of England?

3. Why are European authorities being criticized regarding their reason for closing airspace?

4. a) Define 'blanket' used as an adjective in para. 14.
b) How should the blanket approach to closing airspace be changed, according to Mr. Bisignani of the International Air Transport Association?

5. a) People from all over the world are stranded due to the airspace closures. How many British travelers are unable to get home?
b) How has/will the disruption to airline flights affect Great Britain?

6. British airports remained closed on Monday. Which countries opened or will open their airports today?

7. a) Name the airlines that say it may be safe for European governments to end the airspace closures.
b) For what reason do these airlines say the airspace should be re-opened? Be specific.

8. If you were stranded in an airport for days, and the airlines were willing to fly, would you get on a plane based on their test flights before the ash subsided? Explain your answer.