Planes Remain Grounded By Volcanic Ash Cloud

Submitted by edg on Thu, 15 Apr '10 8.29pm

With a cloud of volcanic ash still covering most of the UK, planes remain grounded throughout the UK and Northern Europe. Although the UK's Air Traffic Control Service (NATS) says some Scottish flights may be allowed to resume from 1am tomorrow, restrictions on flights in UK airspace are likely to remain until tomorrow 1am "at the earliest."

In its most recent advisory, posted at 8.20pm today, NATS says:

"Following a review of the latest Met Office information, NATS advises that restrictions will remain in place in UK controlled airspace until 1300 (UK time) tomorrow, Friday 16 April, at the earliest.

However, flights from Northern Ireland and the Western Isles of Scotland to and from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Prestwick may be allowed in the period from 0100 (UK time) to 1300 (UK time) tomorrow subject to individual co-ordination. North Atlantic traffic to and from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Prestwick and Belfast may also be allowed in the period.

We will review further Met Office information and at 0230 (UK time) tomorrow we will advise the arrangements that will be in place through to 1800 (UK time) tomorrow. However be aware that the situation cannot be said to be improving with any certainty as the forecast affected area appears to be closing in from east to west. We continue to work closely with airports, airlines, and the rest of Europe to understand and mitigate the implications of the volcanic eruption."