Airports to remain open until midnight at least

Irish airports are to remain open until at least midnight, though volcanic ash clouds over other air space could continue to disrupt flights to parts of Europe and across the Atlantic, officials said today.

Passengers have been advised to check with their airlines before beginning their journeys after Aer Lingus and Ryanair announced cancellations of flights to airports in Spain and Portugal.

The Irish Aviation Authority said Irish airports were clear of volcanic ash, but that clouds of dust over the North Atlantic were drifting over the Iberian Peninsula and other parts of southern Europe.

In a statement it added: “Irish airports are expected to be open until at least midnight tonight.

“However, North Atlantic flights and flights to/from Southern Europe may be impacted over the weekend.

“Airspace over northern Scotland may also be at risk later today.

“Passengers should regularly check their airline websites for up-to-date information in this regard.”

The ash from the Icelandic volcano that caused major international disruption last month returned to affect Irish and UK travel last week.

The Irish Aviation Authority said the ash cloud currently measures approximately 1,000 miles long and 800 miles wide.