IAA announce overnight airport closures

Six Irish airports will close overnight because of the volcanic ash cloud.

The Irish Aviation Authority said it is restricting flights in and out of Shannon, Donegal, Sligo, Ireland West in Knock, Galway and Kerry from various times between midnight and 1pm on Friday.

Dublin and Cork will remain open.

In a statement this evening, the IAA said these latest restrictions are necessary because of increased volcanic activity in Iceland.

While northerly winds are keeping the bulk of the cloud out in the Atlantic, the sheer size of it means it is encroaching on Irish airspace along the west coast of Ireland.

However, Airports at Dublin and Cork will remain open.

Another update will be issued at 9:30am on Friday morning.