KUWAIT: Recent aviation problems caused by the volcanic ash spewing from Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano have affected travel to and from Europe, with many in Kuwait fearful of flying not only due to this but also because of other weather problems, including the recent heavy sandstorms here. A number of travelers visiting the Travel and Tourism Exhibition currently taking place in Mishref are considering changing their plans and staying home as a result of these recent events, despite the exhibition offering them numerous tempting packages to choose from.

One of those visiting the exhibition, 33-year-old Kuwaiti father of two Jamal Masoud, told the Kuwait Times, "In 2009, I promised my children and my wife that we'd travel in summer 2010 to Europe and tour the European countries, but I was shocked by the news about the volcanic ash that appeared recently.

Masoud said that his family had changed their travel plans as a result. "I think I'll rent a chalet in any of the resorts here in Kuwait; I'd never risk my children's lives. I know they won't have as much fun here as they'd have in Europe, but what's to be done? At the same time, Kuwait's having very bad weather too - I think that this summer will be a very bad one for everyone.

Another visitor to the exhibition, Samah Masoud, a 28-year-old Egyptian mother of four, said that her family had also decided to stay in Kuwait this year due to the problems in Europe. "We used to travel every year outside Kuwait," she told the Kuwait Times. "Also because my daughter's studying in England we'd decided to travel there this year. After the volcanic ash problems, though, I won't let her travel here either and we won't be traveling anywhere ourselves.

She continued, "What will happen is that I'll join any health club or other club here in Kuwait so that I avoid feeling bored, both my children and me, or I'll let them take any extra courses at any institution here in Kuwait. But as for traveling to any other country I think the answer would be no." Nada Mohsen, a 26-year-old employee at a local firm, has also revised her travel plans due to the recent weather worries.

Every year me and my friends would organize a tour or trip to some country, but I think this year we won't be traveling anywhere because some of us are afraid after the reports of plane crashes," she said. "I don't think we'll be going anywhere this year though; for some of us this is because of the volcanic ash problems and for me and two other girls it's because of money worries." She added, "It's not necessary to travel this year. We can stay here in Kuwait and do a lot of things, but also the weather in Kuwait isn't that great; it's dusty all the time, so tell me where should we go? - Kuwait Times