Iceland eruption causes UK airport closures

15/04/2010

By Mike Booth.

The eruption of a volcano in Iceland has forced several airports in the UK to close, it has been reported.

Ash drifting south across Scotland has caused the National Air Traffic Service (Nats) to place restrictions on air travel, closing Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh airports in the interests of safety.

Newcastle Airport and Dublin Airport were also shut earlier today (April 15th), while flights were cancelled from Manchester, Cardiff, Bristol and others.

A Nats statement said: "Volcanic ash represents a significant safety threat to aircraft.

"We are monitoring the situation with the Met Office, Eurocontrol and neighbouring countries and working closely with the airlines to help inform their decisions about their operations."

Passengers scheduled to fly today have been advised to contact their airline directly for further information on potential delays and disruptions caused by the eruption.

The volcano is located on Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull glacier and last erupted in 1821.