Warning of ‘increased risk’ to airports tomorrow

Most Irish airports are set to operate normally until 4pm tomorrow, aviation authorities said this evening, however warning that there is an “increased risk” of disruption from the volcanic ash cloud.

In a statement released this evening the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) said Dublin, Shannon, Cork, Waterford, Kerry, and Galway airports will be open until at least 4pm tomorrow, while Donegal, Sligo, and Ireland West (Knock) airports will operate normally until 2pm when restrictions may apply.

“The position regarding restrictions will be confirmed at 0930 hrs tomorrow morning,” IAA spokesperson Martin Towey said.

The continuing eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano led to further flight chaos around Europe today, with many airports in southern Europe closed due to the ash cloud.

Airlines including Ryanair and Aer Lingus were forced to cancel some flights to affected destinations.

“Flights to and from North America and the Northern Iberian Peninsula may continue to be at risk tomorrow, but passengers should check with their airline,” Mr Towey said.

“The volcano is still moderately active, and by late Sunday, due to an expected change in wind direction, the risk exists that the plume may drift again over Irish airspace, and may affect Irish airports, especially on the west coast.”

Mr Towey said a large cloud of ash has remained off the west coast of Ireland over the past number of days, affecting some transatlantic flights.

“The cloud has drifted West, but has adopted a crescent pattern in an arc that runs from northern Spain to northern Scotland,” he added. “This has caused some disruptions to flights to northern Spain and other parts of the Iberian peninsula.”

A further update will be issued at 9.30am tomorrow.