This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/8621407.stm

The article has changed 36 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Volcano ash hits UK flight plans Volcano ash hits UK flight plans
(about 1 hour later)
UK airline passengers are facing disruption as an ash cloud from an Icelandic volcanic eruption drifts towards the country. Airline passengers are facing disruption across the UK as an ash cloud from an Icelandic volcanic eruption drifts towards the country.
The Air Traffic Control Service, NATS, said the decision had been made after advice from the Met Office as volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines. All of Scotland's airports were shut and there were disruptions at others including Manchester, Liverpool, Stansted, Newcastle and Birmingham.
Airport operator BAA said restrictions to UK airspace were affecting Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow flights. The Air Traffic Control Service (Nats), imposed restrictions after the Met Office warned ash could damage engines.
The cloud of ash is expected to move south, NATS said. All passengers have been advised to contact their airlines prior to travel.
In a statement, NATS added it was restricting flights "in accordance with international civil aviation policy". 'Significant disruption'
"We took this decision in order to maintain safety. We continue to work with our neighbouring air navigation service providers to minimise the impact on our aviation customers." Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports were shut and Nats said it was restricting flights "in accordance with international civil aviation policy".
A BAA spokesman said the ash "may also affect other parts of the UK later". The ash cloud disrupted all flights to and from Manchester with a similar picture at Newcastle airport where all arrivals were cancelled and all outbound flights either cancelled or subject to indefinite delay.
"Passengers intending to fly today are asked to contact their airline for further information and should expect disruption in the coming hours," he said. Birmingham airport warned of severe disruption with about 90% of all flights cancelled, and there were problems reported at East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Cardiff and Southampton.
Easyjet has said the volcanic cloud could cause "significant disruption". A Nats spokesman said: "The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre has issued a forecast that the ash cloud from the volcanic eruption in Iceland will track over Europe tonight.
'Considerable impact' "Nats is working with Eurocontrol and our colleagues in Europe's other air navigation service providers to take the appropriate action to ensure safety in accordance with international aviation policy."
Further south, five easyJet flights due to depart from Stansted airport were cancelled and there were also delays at Southampton airport.
Nats warned the cloud is expected to move south.
A BAA spokesman said: "Passengers intending to fly today are asked to contact their airline for further information and should expect disruption in the coming hours.
Easyjet said the cloud could cause "significant disruption".
The eruption under a glacier in the Eyjafjallajoekull area of Iceland is the second in Iceland in less than a month.The eruption under a glacier in the Eyjafjallajoekull area of Iceland is the second in Iceland in less than a month.
Aberdeen Airport is warning of "considerable impact" to both flight arrivals and departures.
A spokeswoman for the airport said: "The closure will come into effect locally at midnight and may also spread to other parts of Scotland."
A spokeswoman for Easyjet said: "Following the eruption of a volcano in Iceland earlier today, the Met Office have advised airlines that the ash plume may reach UK air space overnight.
"As a result this may cause significant disruption to flights departing the UK...
"Easyjet passengers are advised to check the website before they leave for the airport for any disruption information."