The major disruption caused by the closure of UK airspace due to the volcano eruption in Iceland could continue until at least Wednesday. Please note this is unofficial as NATS are saying the situation is “dynamic” and “continuously changing”, but weather forecasters predict the ash cloud will continue to enter our airspace for much longer than previously thought.
The Eyjafjallajoekull volcano system is still currently erupting, although more sporadically than previously. The ash cloud takes a day or two to reach UK airspace, so in short, there is still more ash on the way. Last night the situation worsened rather than improved as previously predicted. NATS had stated that there may be a window from 0400-1000 for flights to depart and arrive in the North of England, however this had to be revoked. Scotland and Northern Ireland have had restrictions reapplied after having them removed yesterday.
The current situation is difficult for all of us. Airlines are losing millions of pounds on a daily basis, passengers are stuck in the UK or abroad, and airline employees are losing pay. Our main priority is to get things moving again, but we cannot do so until your safety is ensured – as well as ours. Safety is always the number 1 priority, and when there is a chance of volcanic ash shutting down aircraft engines at 36,000ft then we simply will not fly.
The official word at the moment is that UK airspace is closed until 0100 (British Summer Time) on Sunday morning. Unofficially, airspace could be closed until AT LEAST Wednesday and possibly even longer. Unfortunately there seems to be no end in sight at the moment.
Do not travel to the airport. Check your airline’s website for information regarding your flight.
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