Airspace 'to remain closed until tonight'

19/04/2010

By James Wilson.

Restriction on air travel in the UK will remain until at least 19:00 GMT today (April 19th), it has been announced.

According to National Air Traffic Services (Nats), the volcanic eruption in Iceland is still adversely affecting conditions for aircraft, making it unsafe for them to take off due to lingering clouds of ash.

The organisation described the movements of ash as "dynamic", and added it is working closely with the government, the Met Office and the Civil Aviation Authority.

It stated: "We are working closely with government, airports and airlines, and airframe and aero engine manufacturers to get a better understanding of the effects of the ash cloud and to seek solutions."

A further update will be offered at 09:00 GMT today.

The Eyjafjallajokull volcano began erupting on Wednesday last week and some reports suggest disruption to flights could continue into the tail-end of this week.

Nats provides air traffic control services at 15 UK airports, including Manchester, Birmingham, Gatwick, Stansted, Edinburgh and Glasgow.