Many passengers in Britain hoping to travel by air are facing possible travel meltdown after all airports in the country were closed as a result of the Icelandic volcano ash cloud.

Following normal travel delays, if a flight is cancelled within 143 days of travel or passengers are subject to lengthy delays, under EU Law the airline is required to compensate its customers.

However cancellations and disruptions as a result of extraordinary circumstances, like a volcanic eruption, are exempt from this rule and are unlikely to receive any form of compensation.  However many airlines have agreed to offer passengers a refund or transfer them onto another flight.

If you have been affected by flight cancellations then the first thing you should do is contact your airline to see if they are offering compensation or willing to transfer you onto another flight.

If the cost of your air ticket was more than £100 and you paid by a credit card you will be entitled to compensation under the Consumer Credit Act and should be able to obtain a refund by contacting your card provider directly.

If you have paid using a debit card then unfortunately this is not covered by the Consumer Credit Act but if you bought your ticket whilst in your overdraft then it will be covered by the Consumer Credit Act as you technically used credit to purchase the ticket.

The last port of call should be your travel insurer.  Depending on the small print they may or may issue you a refund or flight transfer.