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/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8658523.stm

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Ash cloud alert for island routes Ash cloud closes islands airspace
(40 minutes later)
Air passengers booked on flights over remote parts of Scotland are facing disruption as a fresh cloud of volcanic ash drifts south from Iceland.Air passengers booked on flights over remote parts of Scotland are facing disruption as a fresh cloud of volcanic ash drifts south from Iceland.
The UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) closed airspace above the Outer Hebrides on Monday evening, affecting Stornoway, Tiree, Barra and Benbecula. The UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) closed airspace above the Outer Hebrides on Monday evening, affecting Tiree, Barra and Benbecula.
The move could see flights to and from the Western Isles cancelled but the situation will be reviewed overnight. Flights to and from parts of the Western Isles have been grounded but the situation is being reviewed.
Parts of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are also affected.Parts of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are also affected.
In a statement, the CAA said it has informed airlines and airports that increased concentrations of volcanic ash are causing airspace closures in isolated parts of Scotland, which will affect local airport operations on Monday and Tuesday morning. In a statement, the CAA said it informed airlines and airports that increased concentrations of volcanic ash were causing airspace closures in isolated parts of Scotland, affecting local airport operations on Monday and Tuesday morning.
No-fly zoneNo-fly zone
"Because ash concentrations exceed the levels agreed as safe by engine manufacturers, airspace over the Outer Hebrides was closed to all operations from 1800 BST on Monday, following Met Office advice," a CAA spokesman said."Because ash concentrations exceed the levels agreed as safe by engine manufacturers, airspace over the Outer Hebrides was closed to all operations from 1800 BST on Monday, following Met Office advice," a CAA spokesman said.
EasyJet airline said there might be some disruption to flights departing from Scotland on Tuesday. Stornoway Airport, based on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, is remaining open. Loganair said it could operate a normal service to Stornoway.
Stornoway Airport, based on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, will make a decision on whether it needs to shut on Tuesday. Belfast International, Belfast City and City of Derry airports have been closed.
Highlands and Islands Airports said it was not yet clear where any no-fly zone would be, due to changing weather conditions. The CAA said airspace over Northern Ireland would be closed from 0700 BST and aviation authorities in the Irish Republic said flights in and out of the country would be banned between 0700 and 1300 local time.
Loganair said a no-fly zone, caused by a secondary ash cloud, would operate around Benbecula and Barra from midnight until 0600 BST on Tuesday, but the airline said it would not affect any flights. The situation is due to be reviewed again at 0900 BST.
It is thought transatlantic flights will be unaffected.
Aviation experts said the safety concerns were mostly based around aircraft taking off into the volcanic plume - rather than flying through it.
Passengers are being advised to check with their airlines before travelling.Passengers are being advised to check with their airlines before travelling.
The CAA added that airspace over Northern Ireland will be closed from 0700 BST and aviation authorities in the Irish Republic say flights in and out of the country will be banned between 0700 and 1300 local time.
Last month, tens of thousands of Britons faced delays or were stranded abroad when a large part of European airspace was closed by the eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano.Last month, tens of thousands of Britons faced delays or were stranded abroad when a large part of European airspace was closed by the eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano.