17/05/2010

No Fly Zone For NI Partially Lifted

There were no flights in or out of NI airports again this morning.

However, as flight restrictions caused by the return of the volcanic ash cloud were due to lift at 1pm at Belfast International airport, it emerged that restrictions will remain in place at George Best Belfast City and City of Derry airports until 7pm on Monday.

The blue skies on Monday morning have been masking the return of the volcanic ash cloud from the active Icelandic eruption that has been plaguing air travel for a month.

Forecasts suggest the ash cloud could extend further over the UK during Monday and Tuesday and it is anticipated that it will be Wednesday before it clears the British Isles.

All flights in and out of Northern Ireland's three main airports had initially been cancelled while the Irish Aviation Authority closed airports in Sligo, Donegal and Knock.

Flights to and from Dublin Airport were also grounded until noon and are now underway.

Passengers who are due to travel are advised to check with their airline or tour operator before travelling to airports.

The UK no-fly zones are set out by the Civil Aviation Authority using Met Office data.

The cloud is expected to lie over the London area by Tuesday, but is likely to have drifted out of UK airspace by Wednesday.

(BMcC/GK)

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