All Irish airports open until 1am tomorrow

All Irish airports will remain open until at least 1am tomorrow, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) said.

The large volcanic ash cloud which currently measures approximately 2,400 miles long and 1,300 miles wide is still positioned over the atlantic from Greenland to the Iberian peninsula.

The IAA said it expects an improvement today in north Atlantic routes but continuing difficulties may be encountered with Iberian / Canary routes.

Aer Lingus was last night forced to cancel certain flights between Spain and Ireland.

Ryanair said it has cancelled dozens of flights to and from destinations in Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands.

Ryanair said on its website: “Based on current Euro Control and meteorological forecasts Ryanair expects airspace over Faro (Portugal) and Madrid to be closed/restricted during Tuesday May 11.”

The airline also confirmed that volcanic ash had been detected in engines on two of its planes which had flown through unrestricted airspace between Ireland and the UK.

Airline spokesperson Stephen McNamara however told RTE that there was no danger to passengers.

Anyone travelling today is being once again urged to check with their airline before leaving home to travel to the airport.

A further update will be issued at 2.30pm.