Dublin Airport open for flights

Dublin Airport has joined Cork and Shannon in being declared safe for some flights today.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) announced that as a result of the ash cloud continuing to move away from the south east, it is lifting restrictions within Irish airspace except for a block off the south coast of Ireland.

This effectively means that Dublin Shannon and Cork Airports will be open for flights.

"While our State airports have had the restriction lifted, the situation is still very serious throughout Europe," said the IAA.

"The majority of airspace and airports in the UK, France and Germany continue to have restrictions in place. The weather maps show the volcanic ash cloud hanging over England and Wales and most of mainland Europe.

"So there will continue to be restrictions in those countries for at least the next 24 hours. This will mean that there will continue to be serious disruption for east bound and south bound traffic out of Irish airports.

"We are concerned that the volcano continues to be very active and we cannot rule out further restrictions if the weather patterns change and the ash cloud returns to Ireland."

Passengers should keep in touch with their airlines on a regular basis for updates.

The IAA will provide an update after 2pm today.