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News Desk
LATEST NATS STATEMENT:
The cloud of volcanic ash continues to cover much of the UK and the eruption in Iceland continues. Following a review of the latest Met Office information, NATS advises that restrictions preventing flights in English controlled airspace will remain in place until 0100 (UK time) tomorrow, Saturday 17 April, at the earliest.
Flights in Northern Ireland and the Western Isles of Scotland to and from Glasgow and Prestwick will continue to be allowed until 1900 (UK time) subject to individual co-ordination. North Atlantic traffic to and from Glasgow, Prestwick and Belfast may also be allowed in this period.
From 1900 (UK time), forecasts indicate that Scottish airspace may be able to accept domestic flights within Scotland and Northern/Southern Ireland, and North Atlantic flights to/from airports in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
We will review further Met Office information and at 1330 (UK time) we will advise further arrangements. In general, the situation is dynamic and subject to change.
We continue to work closely with airports, airlines, and the rest of Europe to understand and mitigate the implications of the volcanic eruption.
ENDS
Heathrow Airport is at standstill today with flights not expected to leave until at least 7pm tonight, with speculation growing that there will be no flights for another 4 days.
NATS is likely to keep a no fly zone in place until this evening with delays on flights likely to carry on for the next four days in southern England.
Reuters has reported that a leading vulcanologist said "the ash could cause problems to air traffic for up to 6 months if the eruption continued, but even if short-lived the financial impact on airlines could be significant."
Heathrow Airport has said that 840 out of 1,250 flights on Thursday were affected, disrupting about 180,000 passengers. More than 120,000 other passengers were affected at Gatwick, Stansted and Glasgow airports.
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