Major UK airports including Manchester, East Midlands and Liverpool will be shut from 1pm today as a high-density volcanic ash cloud sweeps down from Iceland.
A statement from the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) confirmed a UK no-fly zone would be introduced from 13.00 to 19.00 (local time) today but London airports would remain open.
The airports affected include all those in Northern Ireland, Scotland, the north of England and the midlands.
The 10.30 NATS update states: “The CAA’s no-fly zone required by the high density volcanic ash cloud will not affect London airports for the period 1300-1900 (local time) today.
“The no-fly zone for this period has moved east to a line stretching from Prestwick on the west coast to Humberside on the east coast and south to a line just north of Birmingham. Airports which fall within the no-fly zone include all those in Northern Ireland, Ronaldsway, Prestwick, Carlisle, Manchester, Liverpool, Doncaster, Humberside, Leeds Bradford and East Midlands and some Scottish island airports including Campbeltown, Islay and Barra.
“There are currently no other restrictions within UK airspace. According to information from the Irish Aviation Authority, Dublin will remain open until at least 0100 tomorrow (Monday) and Shannon until 2300 tonight.”
A spokesman for Manchester Airport, said: “The Met Office and National Air Traffic Services (NATS) have today placed restrictions on parts of UK airspace as a result of a high concentration of volcanic ash drifting across the country from Iceland.
"These severe restrictions will cause disruption to all flights to and from Manchester Airport between 13:00 and 19:00 today (Sunday 16th May). All passengers are advised to check with their Airline or Tour Operator before travelling to the airport this afternoon.
"Long range forecasts indicate that the ash cloud may cause further disruption into tomorrow but this is not certain. If passengers who are planning to travel to or from Manchester Airport over the coming days are concerned about their flight, please check with your Airline or Tour Operator or monitor our website for official updates.
"There is absolutely no official suggestion or prediction that the prolonged, continent-wide airspace restrictions experienced in April are about to occur again.
"We would like to sincerely apologise to passengers travelling today for the inconvenience that this will cause."
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