Irish Aviation Authority: Outlook for next 48 hours positive

Dublin Airport is to remain closed until at least midday due to the volcanic ash cloud, while Donegal airport will now be closed until 2pm.

The Irish Aviation Authority has said the outlook for the coming days is positive and the IAA does not anticipate any further restrictions relating to volcanic ash at Irish airports for at least the next 48 hours.

The IAA said the latest restrictions have been enforced as a result of an increased quantity of volcanic ash over Irish airspace.

The ash plume is also affecting airports in the West with Sligo closed until 10am while Knock Airport has just opened.

Galway and Waterford have reopened, while Cork, Shannon and Kerry remain open.

From yesterday afternoon it became clear that the ash cloud's reappearance in Irish airspace would have a severe impact on flights.

Restrictions over large parts of the UK are also in place until 1pm this afternoon.

A no-fly order saw Heathrow and Gatwick shut until 7am today, both have partially reopened, air traffic authority Nats said.

Flights are also grounded until lunchtime across Northern Ireland and much of Scotland and Wales, with warnings of widespread knock-on disruption later in the day both here and abroad.

There will be no arrivals at Gatwick until 1pm at the earliest, while Heathrow will see reduced take-offs and departures as well as extended delays and cancellations.

EasyJet is cancelling all flights to and from Edinburgh and Belfast until at least midday.

Ryanair spokesman Stephen McNamara said: “We do need to work with engine manufacturers to make sure we have the right solution for passengers.”

“There is a certain tolerance (of ash) that aircraft engines can take.”

He stressed that Ryanair would reimburse affected passengers for “reasonable” costs incurred. But he went on: “Some of the bills we have received have included purchases of alcohol. We don’t regard that as ‘reasonable’.”

The first flights to land at Heathrow this morning were long-haul services which touched down at 7.07am. Many flights in and out of the west London airport were cancelled and others were delayed.

Airline Flybe had to cancel more than 100 flights today in the UK.

The Association of British Insurers said: “If you are due to travel to or from a UK airport then the first thing you should do is contact your airline or the airport you are travelling from to find out the latest information regarding your travel arrangements.

“Cover for delayed or cancelled flights will vary between travel insurance policies, so for clarification check your travel policy or contact your insurer for confirmation of the position.”

Passengers intending to travel by air over the next few days are advised to check with their airlines.

Some of Europe's busiest airports are closing because of the latest volcanic ash disruption.

Amsterdam and Rotterdam's airspace has also been closed.