Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, County Executive Kathleen Falk and other area officials are stranded in Europe because of volcanic ash that has grounded most European flights, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.
The group was visiting Germany and the Netherlands to discuss transit issues on a trip planned by Chris Fortune, president of a Madison-based bike accessory maker, according to WSJ.
Cieslewicz spokesperson Rachel Strauch-Nelson told WSJ it is unclear when the group will be able to return. Dutch authorities said in a release that airspace would be closed until at least 7 a.m. CDT Monday.
The volcanic ash erupting from an Icelandic volcano has disrupted European air travel since Wednesday. However, CNN has reported that recent test flights have shown airspace over Europe is safe to fly in.
