Volcanic ash leads to 40 flight cancellations
Air travellers faced major disruption today after ash from a volcanic eruption in Iceland closed UK airspace.
Flights in and out of Britain and other northern European destinations were cancelled, leaving thousands of stranded passengers to make alternative arrangements.
Aer Lingus cancelled 30 flights in and out of Irish airports to cities across the UK as well as Amsterdam, Brussels and Munich.
Ryanair have axed ten flights in and out of Dublin and Cork to British airports.
Significant queues formed at airline desks at Dublin Airport as passengers tried to get more information on the status of their flights.
A spokeswoman for the airport said she was unable to give an accurate figure on the number of grounded flights but advised passengers to consult with their airline.
“Consult your airline website before coming to the airport. This is very much out of everyone’s control,” she said.
“I’m in the airport 26 years and I’ve never come across this situation. It is highly unusual. It poses a serious threat to aircraft.
“I’m sure passengers will appreciate the seriousness of it and will not want to fly in unsafe conditions.”
British Midland International (bmi) cancelled two flights from Dublin to London Heathrow, with passengers advised that they will be reaccommodated as soon as possible.
A spokesman said: “Safety is our number one priority and based on advice from the UK Met Office and Air Traffic Control any flights that pass through affected airspace have been cancelled. All airlines are affected by this unavoidable issue.
“We recommend that customers whose journey is not essential book for an alternate date. Customers who have booked and are still intending to travel should consult the flight status page for the latest information.”
But the disrpution to flights has sparked a demand for sea travel, with Irish Ferries reporting an increase in bookings and a surge in visits to its website from both foot passengers and motorists.
“All Irish Ferries sailings are operating normally on Ireland/UK and Ireland/France services,” a spokesman said.
