An intresting scientific report has been released on the BBC News site and published in the PNAS Journal in which they conculde it was right to shut the skies down for a period.
The senior author - Stipp, from Copenhagen University - states:
"I think the really important parts of it are: Number one, the aviation authorities were absolutely right in closing airspace.
"Number two, we have presented a protocol so that, if answers are needed quickly in future, they can be had.
"Then the data that are produced can be put into models to determine how far, how high and how wide the ash will spread that will be based more on fact than on guesswork."
Good reading if you have the lunchtime for it today.
Showing posts with label Eyjafjallajökull. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eyjafjallajökull. Show all posts
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Friday, 28 May 2010
IATA Numbers are out... and they make bad reading...
... and guess what's to blame? Of course, it's our old friend, Eyjafjallajökull the Icelandic Volcano.
Traffic is down 2.4% in April on international traffic, whilst European traffic is down 11.7% (From a 6.2% increase).
IATA's director general and CEO Giovanni Bisignani knocked out these quotes:
After all, operators wouldn't want to put profits ahead of lives... would they?
Traffic is down 2.4% in April on international traffic, whilst European traffic is down 11.7% (From a 6.2% increase).
IATA's director general and CEO Giovanni Bisignani knocked out these quotes:
"The ash crisis knocked back the global recovery - impacting carriers in all regions. Last month, we were within 1 percent of pre-crisis traffic levels in 2008. In April, that was pushed back to 7 percent,"
"European carriers bore the worst of the volcano's impact. Their 11.7 percent drop in passenger traffic could not have come at a worse time. Europe's slow recovery from the global financial crisis and its currency crisis are already a huge burden on the profitability of its airlines," he said.
"The uncoordinated and excessive cancellations and unfairly onerous passenger care requirements rubbed salt into the European industry's wounds"Well it may had been uncoordinated, but it's safety first - ok - the rules have changed as there has been more experience and knowledge gained through it.
After all, operators wouldn't want to put profits ahead of lives... would they?
Monday, 17 May 2010
Changing the goals - More ash = Not so bad it seems.
Well NATS and the CAA have seemed to change the goalposts again.
Originally 0.002mg of Ash was considered acceptable. Now subject to limited times, 0.004mg is acceptable subject to approval of engine safety.
So now there is three limits - no ash, medium ash and heavy ash.
Segmentation - don't you love it?
In other ash news, the cloud is slowly blowing away to the north, and heading towards Norway. Of course, that volcano is still erupting... and will probably cause more chaos sooner rather than later....
Here's the NATS statement for completion:
www.nats.co.uk
Originally 0.002mg of Ash was considered acceptable. Now subject to limited times, 0.004mg is acceptable subject to approval of engine safety.
So now there is three limits - no ash, medium ash and heavy ash.
Segmentation - don't you love it?
In other ash news, the cloud is slowly blowing away to the north, and heading towards Norway. Of course, that volcano is still erupting... and will probably cause more chaos sooner rather than later....
Here's the NATS statement for completion:
NATS is delighted that restrictions on UK airspace can today be eased, thanks to new measures from the Civil Aviation Authority.
Aircraft can now safely fly through ‘medium density’ ash following the introduction of a new zone that defines the concentration of the ash cloud.
“NATS has been at the heart of this ground-breaking proposal and our people have worked very closely with the Irish Aviation Authority, CAA and the rest of the industry to make it happen,” said NATS Chief Executive Officer, Richard Deakin.
“Every leading player in aviation has been helping to build vast amounts of data about the effects of volcanic ash over the last month. There is mounting evidence that aircraft can fly safely through areas of medium density, provided some additional precautions are taken. This is now what has been agreed.”
Richard added that teams at NATS had been working all hours to create new and enhanced procedures to make sure the changes can take place as safely and as effectively as possible.
Previously, the CAA has dealt with the ash cloud by applying No-Fly Zones (NFZ) in areas of greatest ash density, and Enhanced Procedures Zones (EPZ) in areas of low density, which were introduced during the six-day crisis last month.
Today’s breakthrough means a third Time Limited Zone (TLZ) is now being introduced for areas of medium ash density.
As a result of this change, there are no predicted restrictions on UK airspace in the immediate future. If that picture changes, NATS will update its website as necessary.
www.nats.co.uk
Volcanic Ash III - Clear skies from 19:00BST... for now.
NATS have updated their advisory, and it seems to be clear skies for all UK airports from 19:00 to at least 01:00 BST 18/05/10.
Clear skies and open airports - for now..
NATS Update:
Clear skies and open airports - for now..
NATS Update:
According to the latest information from the CAA and the Met Office the volcanic ash cloud clears the UK for the period 1900 (local time) until 0100 tomorrow (Tuesday) and all airports in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales will be available during this period.
There may be some restrictions to helicopter operations in the North Sea where a no-fly zone is still in force during this period.
We will update this information further as necessary.www.nats.co.uk
Volcanic Ash III - The Ebbing Threat...
NAT's latest update indicates good news - and time for those who want to get out - or get into the country to do their thing.
Only the Orkney Islands are now shut, wit the rest of UK Airspace open for now.
Latest NATS statement:
Note the limit is until 19:00 BST. Expect a decision later on that could change that....
A one of the major reasons why I'm republishing the NATS information is that NATS haven't got an RSS feed that I can inject directly to this blog. However, I have an RSS Feed. Why not subscribe?
All volcano ash entries are tagged as http://www.ghettoife.com/search/label/Volcano%20Ash, and you can access the RSS Feed by clicking on the RSS icon - See below!
Only the Orkney Islands are now shut, wit the rest of UK Airspace open for now.
Latest NATS statement:
Update on Monday 17 May, 1300www.nats.co.uk
The CAA has lifted the no-fly zone that has been affecting flights at Heathrow and Gatwick until 1900 (local time) today. The decision comes following further information from the Met Office about the density and location of the ash cloud. There are no restrictions at airports in Northern Ireland, England or Wales during this period.
From 1300-1900 the no-fly zone remains in place only in the Orkney and Shetland Islands.
Note the limit is until 19:00 BST. Expect a decision later on that could change that....
A one of the major reasons why I'm republishing the NATS information is that NATS haven't got an RSS feed that I can inject directly to this blog. However, I have an RSS Feed. Why not subscribe?
All volcano ash entries are tagged as http://www.ghettoife.com/search/label/Volcano%20Ash, and you can access the RSS Feed by clicking on the RSS icon - See below!
Volcanic Ash III - Easing slowly - London Area and most of UK open, NI and Shetlands Shut.
Things are looking up as airspace is reopening - with Heathrow and Gatwick operating without restrictions. However, the Shetland Isles and Northern Ireland Airports are affected badly still.
And who says there's no fun in air travel.
Updates as they come will feed onto here.
Statement from NATS below:
And who says there's no fun in air travel.
Updates as they come will feed onto here.
Statement from NATS below:
Update on Monday 17 May, 1100
The CAA has lifted the no-fly zone that has been affecting flights at Heathrow and Gatwick this morning. The decision comes following further information from the Met Office about the nature and location of the ash cloud.
The no-fly zone remains in place in two key areas affecting operations in Northern Ireland and the Shetland Isles. Airports falling within the No Fly Zones include: Belfast City, Londonderry, Shetland and Orkney. All other airports are open.www.nats.co.uk
Volcanic Ash III - Now it gets complex...
It seems this pain in the ash cloud is changing constantly, with airports closing and reopening as soon as gaps are opening up.
Heathrow and Gatwick have reopened, with restrictions inbound to LGW.
Not a fun day for wanting to be in the air...
NATS statement below:
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone - apologies for the spelling!
Heathrow and Gatwick have reopened, with restrictions inbound to LGW.
Not a fun day for wanting to be in the air...
NATS statement below:
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).www.nats.co.uk
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.
Information on airports in southern Ireland can be obtained from the Irish Aviation Authority website (www.iaa.ie).
We are working closely with the Met Office and with the CAA, which agrees no-fly zones based on Met Office data, and will issue any further notice on this website as necessary.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone - apologies for the spelling!
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Volcanic Ash III - HEATHROW AND GATWICK TO CLOSE.
NATS have updated their advice - and it's not good. The ash as feared has intensified and will be closing Heathrow, Gatwick, City and many other airfields from 01:00BST 17/05 to at least 07:00BST, there will be many airports closed. Other airports may be reopening, but how can I put it nicely... CHECK WITH YOUR AIRLINE BEFORE YOU SET OFF.
Whilst GhettoIFE may not be able to keep up over night (as some of us would like to sleep), as the morning comes round, I'll post a roundup of what's what.
NATS statement below:
Whilst GhettoIFE may not be able to keep up over night (as some of us would like to sleep), as the morning comes round, I'll post a roundup of what's what.
NATS statement below:
Update on Sunday 16 May, 2245
The high density ash cloud continues to move further south in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
For the period 0100 (local time) until 0700 tomorrow (Monday), airports inside the no-fly zone as imposed by the CAA, include; London Heathrow, Gatwick, Farnborough, London City, Shoreham, Biggin Hill, all airfields in Northern Ireland, Scottish Western Isles, Oban, Campbeltown, Caernarfon and Aberdeen. Cardiff remains open but operations may be limited due to close proximity of the no-fly zone.
Information on airports in southern Ireland can be obtained from the Irish Aviation Authority website (www.iaa.ie).
We are working closely with the Met Office and with the CAA, which agrees no-fly zones based on Met Office data, and will issue any further notice on this website as necessary.www.nats.co.uk
Latest NATS announcement: more airports to close
It seems the cloud of ash is drifting further southward, with BHX and Norwich closing/due to close.
London airports remain open - for now...
More later.
London airports remain open - for now...
More later.
www.nats.co.uk
Update on Sunday 16 May, 1630
For the period 1900 today (local time) until 0100 tomorrow (Monday) London’s main airports will still be clear of the no-fly zone imposed by the CAA due to the high density volcanic ash cloud.
The ash cloud continues to change shape and move further south to just north of Oxford during this period. This brings Birmingham and Norwich inside the no-fly zone in addition to those airports already affected. The northerly extent of the no-fly zone in England now includes Teesside, stopping just short of Newcastle, and tracking northwest in a line just north of Carlisle, which remains in the no-fly zone.
Airports inside the no-fly zone in England and Wales now include Teesside, Humberside, Leeds Bradford, Blackpool, Ronaldsway, Caernarfon, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Doncaster, Norwich, Birmingham and East Midlands.
In Scotland the no-fly zone includes the Western Isles, Campbeltown, Prestwick and Oban. All airports in Northern Ireland remain inside the no-fly zone during this period.
There are currently no other restrictions within UK airspace. Information on airports in southern Ireland can be obtained from the Irish Aviation Authority website (www.iaa.ie).
We are working closely with the Met Office and with the CAA, which agrees no-fly zones based on Met Office data, and will issue any further notice on this website as necessary.
NATS update - uk airpace slowly closing down
Latest from NATS and it's not good news.
Whilst the London area airports remain open, a lot have now closed. See the list in the NATS announcement below.
It goes without saying, but check with your airline BEFORE you set out.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone - apologies for the spelling!
Whilst the London area airports remain open, a lot have now closed. See the list in the NATS announcement below.
It goes without saying, but check with your airline BEFORE you set out.
Update on Sunday 16 May, 1030www.nats.co.uk
The CAA’s no-fly zone required by the high density volcanic ash cloud will not affect London airports for the period 1300-1900 (local time) today.
The no-fly zone for this period has moved east to a line stretching from Prestwick on the west coast to Humberside on the east coast and south to a line just north of Birmingham. Airports which fall within the no-fly zone include all those in Northern Ireland, Ronaldsway, Prestwick, Carlisle, Manchester, Liverpool, Doncaster, Humberside, Leeds Bradford and East Midlands and some Scottish island airports including Campbeltown, Islay and Barra.
There are currently no other restrictions within UK airspace. Information about Irish airspace can be found at on the IAA website.
We are working closely with the Met Office and with the CAA, which agrees no-fly zones based on Met Office data, and will issue any further notice on this website as necessary
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone - apologies for the spelling!
Volcanic Ash III - Closures Round 1
Ok - off we go again.
All Belfast airports will be closed from 07:00BST until 13:00
Isle of Man : Closed 07:00BST until 13:00
Dublin and Shannon remain open until 13:00BST, with all other Irish airports closed from 07:00
Expect more as the day progresses.
Latest NATS statement below:
www.nats.co.uk
All Belfast airports will be closed from 07:00BST until 13:00
Isle of Man : Closed 07:00BST until 13:00
Dublin and Shannon remain open until 13:00BST, with all other Irish airports closed from 07:00
Expect more as the day progresses.
Latest NATS statement below:
A high density volcanic ash cloud is rapidly encroaching on Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. As a result, a no-fly zone has been imposed by the CAA in airspace over parts of Northern Ireland.
Restrictions apply to Belfast International, Belfast Harbour & Ronalsdway (Isle of Man) airports from 0700 (local) until 1300 on Sunday 16 May.
The Irish Authorities have also advised of restrictions on airfields in NW Ireland from 0700 (local). Dublin and Shannon airports will remain open until 1300.
There are currently no other restrictions within UK airspace. We are working closely with the Met Office and with the CAA, which agrees no-fly zones based on Met Office data, and will issue any further notice on this website as necessary.
www.nats.co.uk
Volcanic Ash III - The New Batch
Oh hell. Here we go yet again. It seems that volcano in Iceland is letting itself off again, and the ash is starting to redensify up.
Predications are it will affect UK airspace from Sunday through to Tuesday, with NATS providing the current update that Belfast and Dublin are currently open with the cloud near Western Ireland.
The situation of course "is fluid", and quite frankly, anything could happen, with 5 day forecasts being made available as needed
GhettoIFE.com will of course bring the latest news as it comes in - and to quote "Star Wars" I've got a bad feeling about this....
Predications are it will affect UK airspace from Sunday through to Tuesday, with NATS providing the current update that Belfast and Dublin are currently open with the cloud near Western Ireland.
The situation of course "is fluid", and quite frankly, anything could happen, with 5 day forecasts being made available as needed
GhettoIFE.com will of course bring the latest news as it comes in - and to quote "Star Wars" I've got a bad feeling about this....
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
The Cost of Ash
It seems ash has once again clamied more victims... in the form of hard cash.
EasyJet has report it will be down from £50m to £75m
TUI have also suffered to the tune of t£90m, as it reported a six-month loss of £367m.
Thats a lot of bread.
EasyJet is on target to improve its profits, even in this bad year - including the £21m loss due the mad snow that occurred in January.
BA of course suffered, and is still suffering at a cost of £45m lost in strikes.
If last year was rough in the industry, this year might has recovery, but it's going to be rocky.
EasyJet has report it will be down from £50m to £75m
TUI have also suffered to the tune of t£90m, as it reported a six-month loss of £367m.
Thats a lot of bread.
EasyJet is on target to improve its profits, even in this bad year - including the £21m loss due the mad snow that occurred in January.
BA of course suffered, and is still suffering at a cost of £45m lost in strikes.
If last year was rough in the industry, this year might has recovery, but it's going to be rocky.
Sunday, 9 May 2010
Volcano Ash: Spanish Edition!
Hola! Yes, the Ash cloud has hit Spain now.
There have been closures through the day, and this is the state of play at publication:
Repopened
Barcelona, Girona and Sabadell reopen air traffic from 22:00CET 09/05
Closed until 02:00CET 10/05
San Sebastián, Asturias, Santander, Bilbao, Vitoria, León, Burgos, Huesca, Pamplona and Logroño
Closed until 11:00CET 10/05
Santiago, A Coruña and Vigo
I'm getting a nasty feeling, but expect more volcano fun next week...
There have been closures through the day, and this is the state of play at publication:
Repopened
Barcelona, Girona and Sabadell reopen air traffic from 22:00CET 09/05
Closed until 02:00CET 10/05
San Sebastián, Asturias, Santander, Bilbao, Vitoria, León, Burgos, Huesca, Pamplona and Logroño
Closed until 11:00CET 10/05
Santiago, A Coruña and Vigo
I'm getting a nasty feeling, but expect more volcano fun next week...
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Ash Update: ALL UK AIRPORTS TO REOPEN BY 07:00BST, IRISH BY 09:00BST
I repeat, according to NATS all UK Airports will reopen by 07:00BST.
Irish Airspace is also opening, with a staged opening (times local)
Dublin 0400 hours local
Waterford 0400 hours local
Donegal 0400 hours local
Cork 0400 hours local
Sligo 0600 hours local
Ireland West (Knock) 0800 hours local
Galway 0800 hours local
Shannon 0800 hours local
Kerry 0900 hours local
www.iaa.ie
However, as usual check before you travel.
The no-fly zone imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority tracking the high density area of the volcanic ash cloud, has moved west overnight and has now cleared UK airspace.
According to latest information from the Met Office, from 0700 (local) today (Thursday) all UK airfields will be available.www.nats.co.uk
Irish Airspace is also opening, with a staged opening (times local)
Dublin 0400 hours local
Waterford 0400 hours local
Donegal 0400 hours local
Cork 0400 hours local
Sligo 0600 hours local
Ireland West (Knock) 0800 hours local
Galway 0800 hours local
Shannon 0800 hours local
Kerry 0900 hours local
www.iaa.ie
However, as usual check before you travel.
Latest Closure updates: It's easing - slowly.
The good news: it's clearing slowly with airfields open. In particular, most major Scottish Airports have reopened. The Outer Hebrides are still closed as are the Scilly Isles, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland airports. Irish airports are also affected still.
The current list (c/o BBC):
All Scottish Major Airports are open
Scottish Outer Hebrides
Islay 0700 (Wed)-0700
Campbeltown 0700 (Wed)-0700
Northern Ireland
Belfast International 1300-0700
Belfast City 1300-0700
Derry 0700 (Wed)-0700
Ireland
Dublin 1100-0400
Shannon 1730-0800
Isle of Man
Ronaldsway 0100-0700
Scilly Isles/England
Lands End 0100-0700
Isles of Scilly 0100-0700
Current predictions indicate that the ash will move to the Atlantic, but expect more trouble next week if the winds change back towards UK and Ireland.
Next update: 10:00 06/05
The current list (c/o BBC):
All Scottish Major Airports are open
Scottish Outer Hebrides
Islay 0700 (Wed)-0700
Campbeltown 0700 (Wed)-0700
Northern Ireland
Belfast International 1300-0700
Belfast City 1300-0700
Derry 0700 (Wed)-0700
Ireland
Dublin 1100-0400
Shannon 1730-0800
Isle of Man
Ronaldsway 0100-0700
Scilly Isles/England
Lands End 0100-0700
Isles of Scilly 0100-0700
Current predictions indicate that the ash will move to the Atlantic, but expect more trouble next week if the winds change back towards UK and Ireland.
Next update: 10:00 06/05
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Ash Update. Extended closing times in progress....
Well, it's getting slowly worse....
Scotland
Edinburgh 1300-1900 (Weds)
Glasgow 0700-0100 (Thurs)
Prestwick 0700-0100 (Thurs)
Inverness 0700-1300 (Thurs)
Scottish Hebrides
Stornoway 0700-0000 (Thurs)
Benbecula 0700-0000 (Thurs)
Tiree 0700-0000 (Thurs)
Islay 0700-0000 (Thurs)
Barra 0700-0000 (Thurs)
Campbeltown 0700-0000 (Thurs)
Northern Ireland
Derry 0700-0100 (Thurs)
Belfast International 1300-0100 (Thurs)
Belfast City 1300-0100 (Thurs)
Ireland
Dublin 1100-midnight
Shannon 1730-midnight
My current predictions along with the Met Office's is that it will head South over Ireland, and then West over to the Atlantic with the winds.
This situation is changing rapidly - I'll try to get an update out just after midnight. <
Scotland
Edinburgh 1300-1900 (Weds)
Glasgow 0700-0100 (Thurs)
Prestwick 0700-0100 (Thurs)
Inverness 0700-1300 (Thurs)
Scottish Hebrides
Stornoway 0700-0000 (Thurs)
Benbecula 0700-0000 (Thurs)
Tiree 0700-0000 (Thurs)
Islay 0700-0000 (Thurs)
Barra 0700-0000 (Thurs)
Campbeltown 0700-0000 (Thurs)
Northern Ireland
Derry 0700-0100 (Thurs)
Belfast International 1300-0100 (Thurs)
Belfast City 1300-0100 (Thurs)
Ireland
Dublin 1100-midnight
Shannon 1730-midnight
My current predictions along with the Met Office's is that it will head South over Ireland, and then West over to the Atlantic with the winds.
This situation is changing rapidly - I'll try to get an update out just after midnight. <
More Ash fun: Airspaces open and closed.
What's the term we're looking for? It never rains, but it sure does pour.
Scottish, Northern Ireland and some Irish airports are currently closed and are all on odd opening times if they reopen.
The current list (Times are local - BST):
Scotland
Edinburgh 1300-1800
Glasgow 0700-1900
Prestwick 0700-1900
Inverness 0700-1300
Aberdeen is currently open, although this is subject to change.
Scottish Outer Hebrides
Stornoway 0700-1900
Benbecula 0700-1900
Tiree 0700-1900
Islay 0700-1900
Barra 0700-1900
Campbeltown 0700-1900
Northern Ireland
Derry 0700-1900
Belfast International 1300-1900
Belfast City 1300-1900
Ireland
Dublin 1100 onwards
Shannon open until 1730 BST
As usual CHECK BEFORE YOU FLY.
The latest advice issued by the CAA said airports in north-west England could safely stay open on Wednesday, with the South-East England was unlikely to be affected.
The CAA said:
The current cloud is due to be pushed out to the Atlantic over the next few days, which may spell more distribution for Ireland. However, it's a fluid situation.
Good luck if you need to travel!
Scottish, Northern Ireland and some Irish airports are currently closed and are all on odd opening times if they reopen.
The current list (Times are local - BST):
Scotland
Edinburgh 1300-1800
Glasgow 0700-1900
Prestwick 0700-1900
Inverness 0700-1300
Aberdeen is currently open, although this is subject to change.
Scottish Outer Hebrides
Stornoway 0700-1900
Benbecula 0700-1900
Tiree 0700-1900
Islay 0700-1900
Barra 0700-1900
Campbeltown 0700-1900
Northern Ireland
Derry 0700-1900
Belfast International 1300-1900
Belfast City 1300-1900
Ireland
Dublin 1100 onwards
Shannon open until 1730 BST
As usual CHECK BEFORE YOU FLY.
The latest advice issued by the CAA said airports in north-west England could safely stay open on Wednesday, with the South-East England was unlikely to be affected.
The CAA said:
"The situation remains changeable, so passengers expecting to travel from airports in Scotland, Northern Ireland, the North of England and north Wales should contact their airlines to check whether their flight is operating."
The current cloud is due to be pushed out to the Atlantic over the next few days, which may spell more distribution for Ireland. However, it's a fluid situation.
Good luck if you need to travel!
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Bad News: Various bits of airspace are being closed tommorow...
Here we go again - more airspace closures over Scotland and Northern Ireland tomorrow from 07:00BST on 05/05/10, with ash densities increasing in these areas.
To quote the Civil Aviation Authorty:
So beware - tomorrow could be a really bad day if you need to fly.
To quote the Civil Aviation Authorty:
www.caa.co.uk
Following the latest update to forecasts from the UK Met Office, the CAA has issued guidance to operators announcing that airspace over Scotland and Northern Ireland will be closed from 07:00 local time tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.
Met Office forecasts show that levels of ash in the atmosphere over Scotland and Northern Ireland will exceed the concentrations that engine manufacturers have agreed are safe for operations. Unfortunately, this means that the CAA anticipates all Scottish and Northern Ireland airports will be closed from 07:00 local time tomorrow.
The UK Met Office has informed the CAA that ash over UK airspace has increased in density as ash emissions from the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull have become stronger, meaning the Met Office forecasts of ‘No Fly Zone’ locations have been extended further South.
The forecasts also show that it is likely that the ash cloud will continue to move south, potentially affecting airports in the northwest of England and North Wales tomorrow. When the Met Office has produced an updated forecast later this evening, the CAA will update this guidance – this is likely to be after midnight.
The situation is very dynamic, so passengers expecting to travel from the impacted airports should contact their airlines to check whether their flight is operating.
So beware - tomorrow could be a really bad day if you need to fly.
Good news: Irish Airspace (including Northen Ireland) will reopen at 13:00BST
From The Irish Aviation Authority:
As you were people, but be prepared for more fun on the way....
Source: The Irish Aviation Authority
The IAA has cleared Irish Airports to open for full operations from 1300 hrs local time today Tuesday 4th May. Dublin, Shannon, Cork, Knock, Donegal, Waterford, Kerry, Galway and Sligo may resume normal operations.
Current Information from the VAAC confirms this information. We expect operations to be normal at all Irish Airports for the rest of today.
Ireland will not fall within the predicted area of ash concentrations that exceed acceptable engine manufacturer tolerance levels.
Our decision to close earlier today was based solely on the safety risks to crews and passengers as a result of the drift south of the volcanic ash cloud caused by the north easterly winds.
The situation will be reviewed as the week goes on. Winds are forecast to continue coming from a Northerly direction for the next few days and this could lead to further problems.
There will be a further update on the IAA website at 20.00hrs tonight, Tuesday 4th May, 2010.
As you were people, but be prepared for more fun on the way....
Source: The Irish Aviation Authority
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