Aircraft to test ash cloud cover

A specialist aircraft was today calculating the density of volcanic ash over Irish air space after aviation chiefs had to enforce airport closures.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) said it is using the most up-to-date data from the observation flight to decide if airports across the country will have to shut down throughout the day.

Scheduled flights from Donegal, Sligo and Ireland West (Knock) were grounded from 7am when the plume from the North Atlantic drifted over the west of the country.

The IAA stated Galway will remain open until 2pm, Dublin 7pm, Shannon and Waterford 11pm, and Cork and Kerry 1am on Monday.

“These times are constantly under review,” said a spokesman.

“We are watching the weather and movement of the cloud. If the wind blows it the other way then they will remain open.”

Restrictions were enforced due to the increased activity at the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull and its ash cloud drifting over Irish airspace.

While North Atlantic overflights through Irish-controlled airspace remain unaffected, airports in the south of England could also be closed.

The latest forecasts could be bad news for passengers hoping the skies were getting back to normal a month after ash from the erupting volcano first halted flights across Europe.

Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Flybe are among the airlines which have warned of possible disruptions to services, including flight cancellations.

Passengers planning to travel by air over the coming days are advised to regularly check their airline websites before going to the airport.

The IAA said its observation flight, which is currently in the skies, is recording the density of the cloud at different altitudes and feeding the data back to base.

“We are in discussion with other aviation authorities, airlines and engine manufacturers to assess the results of the tests in the interest of passenger safety,” the IAA added.

“The Authority will continue to review analysis and observation results throughout the day.”

Another update will be given this afternoon.