Ireland has grounded all aircraft from tomorrow morning after winds fanned a concentrated volcanic ash cloud from Iceland across the country's airspace.
In a statement tonight, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) said it “has informed Irish-based airlines that it will be imposing restriction on all flights in and out of Ireland from 0700hrs local until 1300hrs tomorrow, Tuesday, 4th May 2010 due to risk of ash ingestion in aircraft engines.”
It added: “Ireland falls within the predicted area of ash concentrations that exceed acceptable engine manufacturer tolerance levels. The decision is based on the safety risks to crews and passengers as a result of the drift south of the volcanic ash cloud caused by the north easterly winds.
“Current information from the Volcanic Ash Advice Centre (VAAC) suggests that a ‘no fly zone' will have to be imposed over Ireland tomorrow that will affect Dublin, Shannon Galway, Sligo, Ireland West (knock), Donegal, Cork and Kerry.
“No flights will operate in or out of these airports until at least 1300hrs local tomorrow.
The IAA said over-flights of Ireland from the UK and Europe will not be impacted tomorrow and flights in mainland Europe will operate normally.
Nora, London around 1 year, 9 months ago