The UK Met Office is tonight warning of renewed “increased ash concentrations and volcanic eruptions” from Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano.
Irish and Scottish airspace is threatened with disruption and possible closure tomorrow morning as the ash cloud, that contains “concentrations that exceed [aircraft] engine manufacturers tolerance levels” has been modelled stretching the entire distance from Iceland to the north west coast of Scotland.
Airlines are tonight warning travellers of the impending disruption and further updates are expected throughout the night.
It is not thought airports or airspace in the south of the UK will be immediately affected.
A spokesperson for the Irish Aviation Authority, said tonight: “The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has informed Irish-based airlines that it is concerned that Irish Airports may be impacted by 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' may have to be imposed over Ireland tomorrow that may affect Dublin, Shannon and some regional airports.
“The IAA expects a further update from the VAAC at 20.00hrs (8pm) and will make a decision then concerning operations at Irish Airports and Irish Airspace.
“Over-flights of Ireland from the UK and Europe are not expected to be impacted tomorrow and southern UK Airports (Heathrow etc ) are not expected to be impacted. Flights originating from Irish airports may be affected.”
In a statement tonight, Ryanair, said: “Ryanair has been advised by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) of possible disruptions and closures of some Irish and the UK airspace from 0600hrs on Tuesday 4th May.
“Ryanair expects some disruptions and cancellations, particularly to / from airports in the west of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
“As information is made available by the IAA during the evening of 3rd May and early morning 4th May. All intending passengers flying with Ryanair on 4th May should check in online as normal.”
According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the volcano renewed spewing “wide and dark” grey ash clouds into the skies over the weekend after nine days of reduced activity. It said there is no indication the eruption is about to end.
An 11pm update from the UK's Civil Aviation Authority, confirmed: “Following consultation with forecasters at the UK Met Office and 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 causing airspace closures in isolated parts of Scotland and are forecast to cause closures in Northern Ireland, which will affect local airport operations this evening and tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.
“Because ash concentrations exceed the levels agreed as safe by engine manufacturers, airspace over the Outer Hebrides was closed to all operations from 18:00 today (Monday), following Met Office advice. The closures will mean operations from Stornoway, Tiree, Barra and Benbecula will cease until airspace reopens.
“Following the latest update from the Met Office, airspace over Northern Ireland will also be closed from 0700 local time tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. This means that Belfast International, Belfast City and City of Derry airports will be closed.
“Air passengers expecting to travel to or from any of the affected airports are advised to contact the airport or their airlines to find out more information about their flights.
“The CAA is closely monitoring the situation and will update the advice to operators and passengers tomorrow morning as latest updates are produced by the Met Office.”
Updated: Ireland announces it is to shut down airspace http://bit.ly/9dZmNq
kk, glasgow around 1 year, 9 months ago