According to the media reports, air travel over most of Europe returned to normal on Thursday, with a few airports in the north closed due to volcanic ash sent there by shifting winds.

It was reported that some airports in Finland, Sweden and Norway were closed after a new cloud of ash was blown over the region. The countries are permitting over-flights at high altitudes, however.

It was also reported that in central, eastern, western and southern Europe, air travel returned to normal; airlines added extra flights to deal with the backlog of stranded travelers.

U. S. travelers stuck in Europe were assisted by the U. S. State Department over the past few days with housing and healthcare needs.

The volcano crisis cost airlines more than $1.7 billion in lost revenue through on Tuesday, the International Air Transport Association said.

The Eyjafjallajoekull volcano lost most of its intensity during the past few days but the situation could quickly change, Icelandic authorities have warned. (With Inputs from Agencies)