Thouands of travellers hoping to fly out from Heathrow and Gatwick are being told to expect "severe delays" because of the volcanic ash which has emerged again over the skies of the UK. In a statement on the BAA website at 7am:
"Heathrow is open and flights will resume from 07:00 today. However, delays and cancellations are likely due to restrictions being applied by NATS to Heathrow's airspace. We therefore strongly advise passengers planning to fly today to contact their airline before leaving for the airport."
NATS has issued the following statement at 5am:
"The volcanic ash cloud continues to change shape and two key areas affect operations stretching from the South of England to Northern Ireland, and over much of mainland Scotland to the Shetland Isles. As a result, no-fly zones have been imposed by the CAA in these areas, for the period 0700 local until 1300 local today (Monday).
Airports within the no-fly zones include all those in Northern Ireland, Ronaldsway, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and Northern Scotland. Cardiff, Swansea, Bristol and Farnborough are also in the no-fly zone.
Heathrow and Gatwick airports will be clear of the no-fly zone however restrictions will have to be applied due to their close proximity to the no-fly zone particularly affecting Gatwick inbounds."
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