Air passengers face misery as ash cloud returns

Air passengers faced further misery tonight as the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud returned.

The skies over parts of Scotland were closed as a precaution tonight after an increased concentration of volcanic ash was detected in the atmosphere, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said.

The ash is forecast to exceed the safe level agreed by the CAA and airlines in the Outer Hebrides tomorrow.

Airspace over the Outer Hebrides was closed to all operations at 6pm following advice from the Met Office.

The closures could see flights to and from the Western Isles cancelled but the situation will be constantly reviewed.

Passengers are advised to check with their airline before travelling.

Last month tens of thousands of Britons were stranded abroad and faced long delays when airspace was closed by the eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull volcano.

A CAA spokesman said: “Following close consultation with forecasters at the UK Met Office and air traffic controllers at NATS, the Civil Aviation Authority has issued a Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) to inform airlines and airports that increased concentrations of volcanic ash in the atmosphere are forecast to cause limited airspace closures in Scotland, which are expected to impact local airport operations this evening and tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.

“From 1800 today airspace over the Outer Hebrides will be closed to all operations following Met Office advice that concentrations of ash in the atmosphere are expected to exceed the safe levels agreed by manufacturers.

“The closures will mean operations from Barra and Benbecula will cease until airspace reopens.

“Air passengers expecting to travel from any of the affected areas are advised to contact the airport or their airlines to find out more information about their flights.”