NATS has extended its flight restrictions until at least 0100 on Tuesday April 20.
In a statement released this morning, NATS said:
“Based on the latest information from the Met Office, NATS advises that the current restrictions across UK controlled airspace due to the volcanic ash cloud will remain in place until at least 0100 (local) on Tuesday 20th April.
“Anyone hoping to travel should contact their airline before travelling to the airport.
“Conditions around the movement of the layers of the volcanic ash cloud over the UK remain dynamic. NATS is maintaining close dialogue with the Met Office and with the UK's safety regulator, the CAA, in respect of the international civil aviation policy we follow in applying restrictions to use of airspace. We are currently awaiting CAA guidance.
“We are working closely with Government, airports and airlines, and airframe and aero engine manufacturers to get a better understanding of the effects of the ash cloud and to seek solutions.”
The next update from NATS is expected at 1500 today.
Airspace across northern Europe remains largely closed with few exceptions. Austria was among those countries to reopen its airspace, and flights from Vienna are beginning to resume operations.
Southern Sweden has also reopened its airspace which is good news for passengers flying to and from Stockholm-Arlanda Airport, Stockholm-Bromma Airport and Gothenburg Landvetter Airport.
All passengers wishing to travel this week are of course advised to contact their airline.
For more information visit nats.co.uk.
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A graphic illustrating the extent of the volcanic ash cloud as of 2000 yesterday, as forecast by the volcanic ash advisory.
- The straight blue lines show daily published flight routes for eastbound and westbound transatlantic flights.
- Blue Arrows show the high altitude global jet streams, while the airplane graphics indicate the airlines currently flying.
The graphic was created by Sabre Flight Explorer, with information provided by the Icelandic Met Office and issued by the VAAC, London.
