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Volcano ash alert hits UK flights Volcanic ash disrupts UK flights
(30 minutes later)
Airline passengers have been facing disruption across the UK after warnings of an ash cloud from a volcanic eruption in Iceland. Airline passengers are facing disruption across the UK after warnings of an ash cloud from a volcanic eruption in Iceland.
In Scotland, all airports were shut and there were disruptions at many others including Manchester, Liverpool, Stansted, Newcastle and Birmingham. In Scotland, all airports are shut and there is disruption at many others including Manchester, Liverpool, Stansted, Newcastle and Birmingham.
The Air Traffic Control Service (Nats), imposed restrictions after the Met Office warned ash could damage engines.The Air Traffic Control Service (Nats), imposed restrictions after the Met Office warned ash could damage engines.
Passengers are being advised to contact their airlines prior to travel.Passengers are being advised to contact their airlines prior to travel.
Experts have warned that the tiny particles of rock, glass and sand contained in the ash cloud would be sufficient to jam aircraft engines.
Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports were shut as Nats said it was restricting flights "in accordance with international civil aviation policy".Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports were shut as Nats said it was restricting flights "in accordance with international civil aviation policy".
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.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.
'Significant disruption''Significant disruption'
Birmingham airport warned of severe disruption with about 90% of flights cancelled, and there were problems reported at East Midlands, Leeds Bradford and Cardiff. Liverpool's John Lennon airport suspended all flights until at least 1300GMT.
British Airways said it had cancelled all domestic flights for the whole of Thursday, which affected flights at London's Gatwick, Heathrow and City airports.
Birmingham airport warned of severe disruption with about 90% of flights cancelled, and there were problems reported at East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Cardiff and Bristol.
Most flights were suspended at Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport, with some in and out of Dublin airport also hit.Most flights were suspended at Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport, with some in and out of Dublin airport also hit.
In about 1982 a British Airways jumbo had the unnerving experience of having all four engines shut down as it flew through a plume of volcanic ash Philip AveryMet OfficeIn about 1982 a British Airways jumbo had the unnerving experience of having all four engines shut down as it flew through a plume of volcanic ash Philip AveryMet Office
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.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.
"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.""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."
The European air safety body, Eurocontrol, said the cloud of ash had reached 55,000ft and was expected to move through northern UK and Scotland by 1300GMT.
Brian Flynn, assistant head of operations of its central flow management unit, told the BBC: "As it moves toward the Netherlands and Belgium it will dissipate and lose intensity, like any weather phenomenon. But we don't know what the extent of it will be."
Further south, five easyJet flights due to depart from Stansted airport in Essex were cancelled, along with all northbound flights from Southampton and Newquay airports.Further south, five easyJet flights due to depart from Stansted airport in Essex were cancelled, along with all northbound flights from Southampton and Newquay airports.
Bournemouth airport grounded a flight to Dublin but said all other departures were on schedule.Bournemouth airport grounded a flight to Dublin but said all other departures were on schedule.
Engines shut
Met Office forecaster Philip Avery said the ash could take several days to clear.Met Office forecaster Philip Avery said the ash could take several days to clear.
He said: "It is showing up on imagery at the moment, extending down as far as the Faroes but it looks as though the wind will drag it a good deal further south.He said: "It is showing up on imagery at the moment, extending down as far as the Faroes but it looks as though the wind will drag it a good deal further south.
"Nats has good cause to be very cautious about this because in about 1982 a British Airways jumbo had the unnerving experience of having all four engines shut down as it flew through a plume of volcanic ash.""Nats has good cause to be very cautious about this because in about 1982 a British Airways jumbo had the unnerving experience of having all four engines shut down as it flew through a plume of volcanic ash."
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.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, which is expected to move south, could cause "significant disruption". The Royal Air Force has confirmed it will maintain its search and rescue operations.
A spokesman said: "We will continue to provide full search and rescue cover, however we will consider all requests we get on a case by case basis.
"The ash is mainly affecting the air traffic control radar but we can fly in cloud and reduced visibility.
The eruption under a glacier in the Eyjafjallajoekull area of Iceland is the second in the country in less than a month.The eruption under a glacier in the Eyjafjallajoekull area of Iceland is the second in the country in less than a month.
A Nats spokesperson said the volcano was still erupting at midnight on Wednesday.A Nats spokesperson said the volcano was still erupting at midnight on Wednesday.
Have you seen the ash cloud? Have your travel plans been affected by the volcanic ash? Have your travel plans been affected by the volcanic ash cloud?
Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to 61124 or you have a large file you can upload here. Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to 61124 or you have a large file you can upload here.
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