WI Katla erupts right after Eyjafjallajokull in 2010?

Daffy Duck

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In late April 2010 there were fears that Katla, the Icelandic volcano next to Eyjafjallajokull would erupt.

Traditionally, Katla has erupted right after Eyjafjallajokull and usually experiences a much larger eruption.

To give some scale, Eyjafjallajokull was a VEI4. Katla traditionally has erupted in the VEI4 to VEI6 range. VEI4 would be like a Mt. St. Helens. VEI6 would be like a Mt. Pinatubo

What if Katla did experience a VEI 6 eruption right after Eyjafjallajokull?

What would be the medium and long term effects on Europe?
 
The effects on the airline industry would probably be nothing short of lethal if ash clouds continue to be a major impediment to air travel over most of Europe.

Airlines whose position was very shaky like Alitalia and some of the charter airlines would probably go bust unless they are bailed out by their governments.

Low level flying could be used as an alternative of sorts, but this would increase jetfuel consumption dramatically and push costs up. This could be countered somewhat by concentrating flights into bigger airplanes to take advantage of their lower seat-mile consumption.

Railways would see their patronage boom on the other hand, which could have somewhat positive effects to the finances of some companies if this lasts long enough.
 
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