Europe braces for ash cloud chaos

THE SPREAD of volcanic ash across Europe is unlikely to affect flights out of Ireland today — but an expected change of wind could cause extensive disruption later in the week.

Several airlines, including Easyjet, Aer Arann and Jet2.com, have already been forced to cancel flights to and from the North since Iceland’s most active volcano, Grimsvotn, began erupting on Saturday, sending a plume of smoke 12 miles into the air.

Yesterday, Ryanair was forced to cancel all flights to and from Scotland as the ash cloud forced Scottish airspace to close. Aer Lingus also cancelled 20 flights to and from Scotland today.