A cloud of volcanic ash which has caused chaos for air travellers spread to Germany today, forcing the closure of Berlin’s airport and threatening to disrupt European flights for days.

Irish airspace remained clear and UK flights began returning to normal this morning as disruption caused by the diminishing Icelandic ash cloud shifted towards northern Europe.

Irish airspace should remain open until at least 7.30pm this evening.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has confirmed that the Icelandic volcano is unlikely to have any impact on Irish airspace for at least the next 24 hours.

Ryanair has cancelled all flights to and from Glasgow Prestwick and Edinburgh Airports for the rest of the day following a direction from the Irish Aviation Authority.

There will be no restrictions in Irish airspace caused by the Icelandic ash cloud for at least the next 24 hours, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has said.

The air transport industry was beset by confusion and arguments today as passengers braced themselves for days of uncertainty caused by Iceland’s latest volcanic ash cloud.

Volcanic ash could force the cancellation of up to 500 commercial flights in parts of the United Kingdom and Scandinavia, the European air traffic agency said today.

Ryanair has demanded the re-opening of Scottish airspace after the airline operated a one-hour "verification flight" that it says confirmed there was no volcanic ash in the airspace.

The ash cloud from the erupting volcano in Iceland has swept over western Norway and Denmark, stalling air traffic in part of Norway and causing delays in Copenhagen, officials said.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has said there will be no closures in Irish airspace as a plume of volcanic ash makes its way towards western Europe.

Ryanair bosses are to meet air-safety officials today in a bid to have flight restrictions lifted, after the airline, as well as Aer Lingus and easyJet, were forced to cancel flights as a new ash cloud made its way towards the UK.

Aer Lingus and Ryanair have been forced to cancel a number of flights in and out of Scotland today, because of the threat of volcanic ash from Iceland.