Europe is starting to reopen its skies almost a week after the eruption of an Icelandic volcano grounded most planes. According to the air traffic agency, Eurocontrol, about 75% of European flights are due to operate today. But severe delays are still expected, as airlines try to cope with the backlog caused by the volcanic ash. The Eurocontrol said it was optimistic the situation would be back to normal in a few days' time. At least 95,000 flights were cancelled in the past six days. Air transport group IATA says the disruptions have cost the industry 1.7 billion dollars. Scientists say the ash plume around the Eyjafjallajokull volcano is now shrinking, although the situation remains changeable.Iceland's civil protection agency said the volcano had lost nearly 80% of its intensity since the weekend.