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Ash cloud affects islands flights Flights resume as ferry arrives
(40 minutes later)
Flights in and out of Orkney and the Shetland Isles are due to resume, after restrictions imposed as a result of the cloud of ash from a Icelandic volcano. Flights in and out of Orkney and the Shetland Isles have resumed, after restrictions imposed as a result of the cloud of ash from a Icelandic volcano.
However there are still no flights to and from Stornoway on Lewis.However there are still no flights to and from Stornoway on Lewis.
All Scotland's major airports are open and flights are getting back to normal after the disruption which lasted for almost a week.All Scotland's major airports are open and flights are getting back to normal after the disruption which lasted for almost a week.
Meanwhile, a Scottish ferry sent to Norway has arrived in Aberdeen with 157 stranded people.Meanwhile, a Scottish ferry sent to Norway has arrived in Aberdeen with 157 stranded people.
The Northlink ferry Hamnavoe, which normally runs across the Pentland Firth, was sent from Orkney to Bergen to pick up the passengers.The Northlink ferry Hamnavoe, which normally runs across the Pentland Firth, was sent from Orkney to Bergen to pick up the passengers.
One passenger said: "It was an excellent service."
Another said after disembarking: "It was better than being stuck in Norway for another week."
And one other relieved traveller commented: "We just want to get home and see our kids."
Hamnavoe arrived in Aberdeen early on Thursday afternoon
UK airports reopened on Tuesday night after safety tests showed plane engines could cope in areas of low density ash.UK airports reopened on Tuesday night after safety tests showed plane engines could cope in areas of low density ash.
Passengers are being advised that they still need to check with their airline for the latest information.Passengers are being advised that they still need to check with their airline for the latest information.
Hamnavoe arrived in Aberdeen early on Thursday afternoon Loganair said planes in and out of the Northern Isles resumed after 1300 BST.
Loganair said planes in and out of the Northern Isles would resume after 1300 BST.
Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair's commercial director, said: "Loganair intends to resume flight operations and all flights scheduled to depart at or after this time will take place as planned with the exception of services to or from Stornoway, which is in a 'no-fly zone' imposed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and National Air Traffic Services (Nats)."Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair's commercial director, said: "Loganair intends to resume flight operations and all flights scheduled to depart at or after this time will take place as planned with the exception of services to or from Stornoway, which is in a 'no-fly zone' imposed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and National Air Traffic Services (Nats)."
He said flights would operate in the 'enhanced procedures zone', which is an area where volcanic ash is present, but at sufficiently low concentrations that it does not pose any risk to flight safety. He said flights would operate in the "enhanced procedures zone", which is an area where volcanic ash is present, but at sufficiently low concentrations that it does not pose any risk to flight safety.
Helicopter flightsHelicopter flights
Mr Hinkles added that 'no fly zones' could still be declared if the concentration of volcanic ash rose to higher levels. Mr Hinkles added that "no fly zones" could still be declared if the concentration of volcanic ash rose to higher levels.
Helicopters flying to and from North Sea oil rigs from Aberdeen remain affected.Helicopters flying to and from North Sea oil rigs from Aberdeen remain affected.
Aberdeen Airport spokeswoman Sarah Campbell said: "The advice to passengers is to stay in touch with your airlines directly for information on flights or for re-booking. We are grateful to passengers for their patience."Aberdeen Airport spokeswoman Sarah Campbell said: "The advice to passengers is to stay in touch with your airlines directly for information on flights or for re-booking. We are grateful to passengers for their patience."
Tens of thousands of people remain stranded after the six-day shut down of UK airspace.Tens of thousands of people remain stranded after the six-day shut down of UK airspace.
Spare capacity on the Rosyth-Zeebrugge service has been used by passengers stranded on mainland Europe by cancelled flights.Spare capacity on the Rosyth-Zeebrugge service has been used by passengers stranded on mainland Europe by cancelled flights.
The Scottish government helpline number is 0800 027 0504 or from overseas +44 800 027 0504. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office 24-hour consular helpline has been set up on 020 7008 0000 for people stuck abroad.The Scottish government helpline number is 0800 027 0504 or from overseas +44 800 027 0504. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office 24-hour consular helpline has been set up on 020 7008 0000 for people stuck abroad.