All UK flights grounded until at least 19:00, Nats states

16/04/2010

By Sam Lock.

All non-emergency flights to and from the UK will be suspended until at least 19:00 GMT this evening (April 16th), it has emerged.

The National Air Traffic Service (Nats) reports that a cloud of volcanic ash caused by an eruption in Iceland is still covering much of the UK, making it unsafe for aircraft to take off.

It had originally advised that flights would be grounded until 13:00 GMT today, and flights to and from Northern Ireland, the western isles of Scotland, Glasgow and Prestwick may still be permitted, "subject to individual co-ordination".

The organisation is working closely with the Met Office to lift the restriction as soon as it is safe to do so.

A Nats statement observes: "The situation cannot be said to be improving with any certainty as the forecast affected area appears to be closing in from east to west.

"We continue to work closely with airports, airlines, and the rest of Europe."

The organisation advises that passengers due to travel today should consult their airlines directly for more information.

According to the Times Online, airlines based in the UK could lose a total of £100 million or more if the disruption continues over the weekend.