Passengers begin journey home

Weary passengers are preparing to fly home today, and some have already arrived, after aviation chiefs gave the green light for Irish and UK airspace to reopen.

After almost a week of cancellations caused by eruptions from an Icelandic volcano, the resumption of full services began on a phased basis late last night.

Flights today are set to focus on positioning planes and crews, with airlines expected to take up to three days to get back to normal.

But officials warned restrictions would only stay lifted if there were no more significant volcanic activity, and provided the massive ash cloud did not move over the country.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), which made the decision to reopen airspace in conjunction with the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority, said Ireland was still one of the closest European countries to the current exclusion zone.

“We welcome this agreement, which balances safety priorities with the need of the industry,” chief executive Eamonn Brennan said.

“This provides the foundation for a long term solution to the volcanic ash issue, however we need to be careful over the next few days as we are concerned that the ash cloud currently positioned between Iceland and Ireland may drift over the country.”

Aircraft engine manufacturers have been consulted and technical guidance was issued to airlines and maintenance teams.

Each carrier will have to comply with the new guidelines, which include additional reporting, maintenance inspections and regular ash ingestion assessments.

Meanwhile passengers were urged to contact airlines before travelling to airports for flights.

The lifting of restrictions came as a huge relief to the country’s two leading airlines, who estimate that they have lost more than €70m during the crisis.

Aer Lingus said it was losing about €5m and Ryanair €6m a day as 30,000 Irish people were marooned overseas praying for rain and southerly winds to disperse the huge ash cloud.

Aer Lingus has cancelled all UK, European and US flights up until 1pm today.

Ryanair has cancelled all flights between Ireland and the UK until 1pm on Friday, with other Northern European routes grounded until at least lunchtime tomorrow.

Only those with reservations to fly today should go to the airports after checking their airlines' websites, airport spokespeople have advised.