17/05/2010

No Fly Zone Despite Blue Skies

There were no flights in or out of many Irish airports again today.

The blue skies on Monday morning are masking the return of the volcanic ash cloud from the active Icelandic eruption that has been plaguing air travel for a month.

Forecasts suggest the ash cloud could extend further and into the rest of the UK during Monday and Tuesday and it is anticipated that it will be Wednesday before it clears the British Isles altogether.

All flights in and out of Northern Ireland's three main airports have been cancelled until at least 1pm and the Irish Aviation Authority has closed airports in Sligo, Donegal and Knock.

Flights to and from Dublin Airport will also be grounded until noon on Monday.

Passengers who are due to travel are advised to check with their airline or tour operator before travelling to airports.

The UK no-fly zones are set out by the Civil Aviation Authority using Met Office data.

The cloud is expected to lie over the London area by Tuesday, but is likely to have drifted out of UK airspace by Wednesday.

(BMcC)

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