Iceland's Volcanic Eruption Winding Down

Scientists in Iceland say the volcanic eruption that disrupted global air travel is winding down - but it's not over yet.

Icelandic experts told reporters Thursday there are still signs of activity coming from the Eyjafjallajokul volcano - spurts of ash and bursts of steam.

Geologist Pall Einarsson says experts are wary of declaring the emergency over because eruptions tend to wind down slowly.

Eyjafjallajokul erupted April 14. Fearing the volcanic ash plume posed a danger to planes, European authorities shut down their airspaces, stranding an estimated 10 million travelers worldwide. The shutdown cost airlines more than $2 billion, and carriers complained about what they described as arbitrary closures.

Aviation authorities introduced relaxed flight safety rules May 17 to minimize more disruptions caused by the volcano, as three of Europe's busiest airports reopened after a dense volcanic ash cloud dissipated.

The last time Eyjafjallajokul erupted, in 1821, activity was recorded on and off for almost two years.

More on Volcano Fallout

Britain Eases Safety Rules Over Ash Cloud
London Airports Reopen after Ash Cloud Closure
Airlines Start Sorting Fliers, Licking Wounds
Volcano Releases Chokehold On Europe Air Travel
Iceland's Fiery Volcano
Volcano Ash Cloud Sets Off Global Domino Effect
Report: Volcano Ash Cloud Costs U.S. $650 Million
U.K. Airports See Trans-Atlantic Flights Return
To Fly or Not to Fly? That's No Easy Question
Millions of Stranded Travelers Given Hope
Volcano Spews Less Ash as Lava Boils Up