Shannon stays open, Dublin and Cork remain closed

The latest update from the Irish Aviation Authority says that Dublin and Cork Airports will now remain closed to commerical air traffic until at least 10pm tonight.

Shannon Airport will remain open until 9pm to allow a number of aircraft to land.

Eleven British Airways aircraft en route from the US to London are expected to divert to Shannon before it closes again.

The flights were prevented from continuing on to Heathrow Airport and Shannon has confirmed that they are on standby to accept the aircraft while it is expected that hundreds of passenegers will have to be accommodated in local hotels.

Meanwhile, the Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has said he "rejects and refutes" claims there was an "over-reaction" by officials in shutting Irish airspace.

Mr Dempsey's told the Dáil he stands over all the decisions made since the issue emerged last Thursday.