EU airports hit by volcanic ash

Volcanic ash has shut down airports

Volcanic ash from an eruption in Iceland is playing havoc with the European aviation industry today as a massive dust cloud heads south from Iceland over Continental Europe.

Thus far all airports in Scotland have been shut down as well as in Northern Island. Flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Newcastle and Stansted have also had to be cancelled as the Met Office cites "dangerous conditions."

The mushroom cloud of debris is said to be causing massive visibility problems at other UK airports including Birmingham, Manchester, Exeter, Cardiff and East Midlands. Not just that, but aviation experts have warned that the dust and ash thrown up by the eruption could potentially jam aircraft engines with particles of rock and sand.

Restrictions

The Air Traffic Control Services (Nats) and the European air safety body, Eurocontrol, have stated that the ash cloud has reached 55,000ft and was expected to move through northern UK and Scotland by 13:00 local time.

However it is expected to break up as it moves over northern Europe over the next few days. Speaking to the BBC, Brian Flynn, assistant head of operations of its central flow management unit, said "As it moves toward the Netherlands and Belgium it will dissipate and lose intensity, like any weather phenomenon. But we don't know what the extent of it will be."

A Nats spokesman was also quoted as saying, "The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre has issued a forecast that the ash cloud from the volcanic eruption in Iceland will track over Europe tonight.

"Nats is working with Eurocontrol and our colleagues in Europe's other air navigation service providers to take the appropriate action to ensure safety in accordance with international aviation policy."

The dust cloud originated from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which surged back into life on Tuesday after apparently showing signs of dying down.

Althought passengers will be no doubt frustrated at the cancellation of several flights, Nats have ever reason to be cautious. In 1982, a British Airways jumbo had the "unnerving experience" of having all four engines shut down as it flew through a plume of volcanic ash. As such European air control is ensuring that no planes suffer such a calamity.

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Timon Singh

Timon Singh is a graduate of Liverpool University where he received a degree in Social and Economic History. He has previously worked for BBC Magazines on BBC Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine, the publication for the popular genealogy show.

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