The no-fly zone currently in place for Northern Ireland is due to be lifted at 1300. The ban was implemented following “heavy concentration of volcanic ash” over Northern Ireland and parts of western Scotland, but NAT's current advice (updated at 1200) is as follows:
"We are still expecting all UK airspace (including Northern Ireland) to be open this afternoon from 1300 (local time), with the exception of a very small no-fly zone identified by the CAA in the northwest corner of UK airspace. This no-fly zone is not expected to have any impact on UK operations.
"NATS continues to monitor the latest Met Office information and updates from the CAA. We will provide more information as and when it is available."
The Irish Aviation Authority said it expects operations to be normal at Irish airports for the rest of the day, but warns further bans could be imposed, depending on the ask concentrations in Irish airspace.
"Winds are forecast to continue coming from a Northerly direction for the next few days and this could lead to further problems," said a spokesperson for the IAA.
Travellers are advised to consult the websites for individual airlines for the latest information on flights to and from Northern Ireland later today.
