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/8631326.stm

The article has changed 16 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 8 Version 9
First flights run after ash chaos First flights run after ash chaos
(about 1 hour later)
Some domestic flights are taking off in the UK, as airports begin to reopen after five days without flights because of the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland. Some domestic UK flights have taken off after five days of disruption but a second volcanic ash cloud from Iceland has hit plans to reopen airspace.
The first planes from Edinburgh and Glasgow were among a few internal flights scheduled from Scotland.The first planes from Edinburgh and Glasgow were among a few internal flights scheduled from Scotland.
Air traffic control body Nats said a new ash cloud meant uncertainty and the situation was worsening in some areas.Air traffic control body Nats said a new ash cloud meant uncertainty and the situation was worsening in some areas.
An estimated 150,000 Britons have been stranded overseas as a result of the flight restrictions.An estimated 150,000 Britons have been stranded overseas as a result of the flight restrictions.
The hope had been that the intensity of volcanic eruptions was reducing, but the emergence of a new ash cloud has meant plans to reopen British airspace have been revised.The hope had been that the intensity of volcanic eruptions was reducing, but the emergence of a new ash cloud has meant plans to reopen British airspace have been revised.
Jonathan Astill of Nats said the new ash cloud was a "significant change" to the situation on Monday.Jonathan Astill of Nats said the new ash cloud was a "significant change" to the situation on Monday.
EXPERT ADVICE Latest health advice Latest: Air passenger rights Q&A: Volcanic ash cloud Travel latest Live: Volcano updatesEXPERT ADVICE Latest health advice Latest: Air passenger rights Q&A: Volcanic ash cloud Travel latest Live: Volcano updates
He told BBC News: "The Met Office is reporting a further ash cloud that is coming down from Iceland and then covering the UK progressively during the day."He told BBC News: "The Met Office is reporting a further ash cloud that is coming down from Iceland and then covering the UK progressively during the day."
Flights in the south of the UK are unlikely to resume on Tuesday.Flights in the south of the UK are unlikely to resume on Tuesday.
In a statement, Nats said: "The situation regarding the volcanic eruption in Iceland remains dynamic and the latest information from the Met Office shows that the situation today will continue to be variable."In a statement, Nats said: "The situation regarding the volcanic eruption in Iceland remains dynamic and the latest information from the Met Office shows that the situation today will continue to be variable."
Although Scottish airspace is open, most of the flights are to destinations elsewhere in Scotland.Although Scottish airspace is open, most of the flights are to destinations elsewhere in Scotland.
Schedules are constantly changing and passengers have been advised not to travel to airports until they have checked with their airline or tour operator.Schedules are constantly changing and passengers have been advised not to travel to airports until they have checked with their airline or tour operator.
The first international flight from Glasgow is due to head for Reykjavik in Iceland at midday.The first international flight from Glasgow is due to head for Reykjavik in Iceland at midday.
TUESDAY'S AIRLINE DISRUPTION BA - no short-haul services on Tuesday, but some long-haul after 1600BST EasyJet - flights to/from northern Europe, including UK, cancelled until 1700BST. Limited number operating in southern Europe Ryanair - flights cancelled to/from the UK, Ireland, and much of northern Europe until 1300BST on Wed 21 Flybe - flights scheduled between Aberdeen, Belfast City, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Newcastle from 1005BST bmi - plans to resume UK domestic flights from Heathrow at 1900BST and from regional UK airports from 1300BST bmibaby - Certain internal and European flights operating, some cancelled *All passengers are advised to check with their airline before heading to the airport TUESDAY'S AIRLINE DISRUPTION BA - no short-haul services on Tuesday, but some long-haul after 1600 BST EasyJet - flights to/from northern Europe, including UK, cancelled until 1900 BST. Limited number operating in southern Europe Ryanair - flights cancelled to/from the UK, Ireland, and much of northern Europe until 1300 BST on Wed 21 Flybe - flights scheduled between Aberdeen, Belfast City, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Newcastle from 1005 BST bmi - plans to resume UK domestic flights from Heathrow at 1900BST and from regional UK airports from 1300 BST bmibaby - Certain internal and European flights operating, some cancellations on Tuesday and Wednesday *All passengers are advised to check with their airline before heading to the airport
Nats said the latest Met Office information meant part of Scottish airspace, including Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh airports, will continue to be available from 1300 to 1900 BST, and also south to Newcastle Airport.Nats said the latest Met Office information meant part of Scottish airspace, including Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh airports, will continue to be available from 1300 to 1900 BST, and also south to Newcastle Airport.
However, there will be no flights from Glasgow after 1300 BST.However, there will be no flights from Glasgow after 1300 BST.
No airports south of Newcastle - including all London airports - will open before 1900 BST.
The spread of volcanic ash has affected large swathes of Europe for the past five days.The spread of volcanic ash has affected large swathes of Europe for the past five days.
There has been huge disruption for air travellers, many of whom have embarked on long and costly journeys over land and sea to get home.There has been huge disruption for air travellers, many of whom have embarked on long and costly journeys over land and sea to get home.
A small number of flights have taken off in northern Europe with planes departing from Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt - although many flights have been cancelled.A small number of flights have taken off in northern Europe with planes departing from Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt - although many flights have been cancelled.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said airports were "taking advantage of the window of opportunity" as the impact of the volcano ash cloud temporarily lessened, but stressed that passenger safety would remain "paramount".Prime Minister Gordon Brown said airports were "taking advantage of the window of opportunity" as the impact of the volcano ash cloud temporarily lessened, but stressed that passenger safety would remain "paramount".
He added: "In the meantime I think it's important that everybody knows that if they can get to a Channel port we can get them across from Europe to the United Kingdom."He added: "In the meantime I think it's important that everybody knows that if they can get to a Channel port we can get them across from Europe to the United Kingdom."
In other developments:In other developments:
  • UK airports operator BAA says the flight restrictions are costing it between £5m and £6m a day
  • Troops and civilians board HMS Albion in the Spanish port of Santander and it is due to leave at 1300 BST
  • British Airways operates its first flight since Saturday, with a Boeing 777 taking off from Beijing
  • Manchester, Birmingham, Luton and East Midlands airports will remain closed until at least 1900 BST
  • Flights from Belfast City Airport to Scotland started at 1000 BST, but Northern Ireland airspace will close between 1300 and 1900 BST
  • Some flights will resume at Bristol Airport at 1300 BST
  • Cardiff airspace remains closed until 1900 BST, after which six outbound flights may go ahead depart from Cardiff airport
  • Newcastle Airport is running just eight of 130 scheduled flights, with most heading to Aberdeen and the Isle of Man
  • Sporting fixtures around Europe continue to be disrupted
  • UK airports operator BAA says the flight restrictions are costing it between £5m and £6m a day
  • Some 500 soldiers and 300 civilians board HMS Albion in the Spanish port of Santander and it is due to leave at 1300 BST
  • British Airways operates its first flight since Saturday, with a Boeing 777 taking off from Beijing
  • Airports in eastern Scotland including Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh will run flights between 1300 and 1900 BST
  • Flights from Glasgow will stop at 1300 BST
  • Manchester, Birmingham and East Midlands airports will run flights no earlier than 1900 BST
  • Bristol airport is not operating flights until at least 1300 BST but is warning of significant delays once it opens
  • Cardiff may operate six flights out of its airport after 1900 BST
  • Sporting fixtures around Europe continue to be disrupted
Nats said more airspace over England was expected to become available from 1300 BST although not as far south as London's main airports.Nats said more airspace over England was expected to become available from 1300 BST although not as far south as London's main airports.
'Overflights' cleared'Overflights' cleared
British Airways has cancelled all short-haul flights on Tuesday but says it hopes to run long-haul flights scheduled to depart after 1600 BST depending on a "full and permanent" opening of airspace.British Airways has cancelled all short-haul flights on Tuesday but says it hopes to run long-haul flights scheduled to depart after 1600 BST depending on a "full and permanent" opening of airspace.
It has emerged that Nats, in discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority, has cleared the airspace over the ash cloud for "overflights" - those that fly over the cloud at altitude.It has emerged that Nats, in discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority, has cleared the airspace over the ash cloud for "overflights" - those that fly over the cloud at altitude.
The move will allow flights between Europe or the Middle East and North America, which would normally fly through UK airspace.The move will allow flights between Europe or the Middle East and North America, which would normally fly through UK airspace.
It will also allow flights between open airports in Scotland and northern England, and those open in mainland Europe.It will also allow flights between open airports in Scotland and northern England, and those open in mainland Europe.
A Nats spokeswoman said: "The CAA has issued guidance in the early hours of Tuesday morning which enables aircraft to fly at a safe distance above the ash cloud.A Nats spokeswoman said: "The CAA has issued guidance in the early hours of Tuesday morning which enables aircraft to fly at a safe distance above the ash cloud.
"This will enable flights between airports that are not within the contaminated air, provided they can climb to altitudes to get above the ash cloud whilst in clear air.""This will enable flights between airports that are not within the contaminated air, provided they can climb to altitudes to get above the ash cloud whilst in clear air."
Anyone concerned about the safety of a British national stranded abroad can call a Foreign Office helpline on 020 7008 0000, or visit its website.
Stranded Britons should contact their local embassy, high commission or consulate.