Ash cloud delays flights

The cloud of ash from Iceland's volcano is now stretching 12-hundred miles into the Atlantic - forcing many flights to divert.

Aer Lingus cancelled two of its transatlantic flights tomorrow due to the volcanic ash cloud.

The airline says flight Ei-133 from Dublin to Shannon to Boston is cancelled - as is flight Ei 136 from Boston to Dublin.

Passengers will be re-routed on other flights.

Around 500 planes between the States and Europe are now having to carry extra fuel so they can fly around the cloud.

Some flights are taking two hours longer than normal.

Irish airports will operate as normal until at least 7am tomorrow morning but Met Éireann is warning that the ash cloud could continue to effect transatlantic air travel over the weekend.

The Government's Taskforce on Emergency Planning met to discuss the latest movement of the volcanic cloud earlier today.

The latest weather forecast indicates it should stay clear of Irish airspace for the next few days, but that the threat of disruption will remain into next week.

Passengers are being advised to check their airline's website.

The Irish Aviation Authority will issue another update at 8.30pm tonight.