Air travel delays following Icelandic volcanic eruption

Air travel delays following Icelandic volcanic eruption

Volcanic eruption in Iceland closes UK airports, fearing ash cloud damage to jet engines

April 15, 2010 2:09 by Katherine Azmeh

Following a volcanic eruption in Iceland that sent clouds of ash billowing into the atmosphere, inbound and outbound UK flights have been suspended, according to the BBC.

Etihad, Emirates, and Middle East Airlines are reporting flight cancellations and disruptions in service.

Citing fears of engine damage, the Air Traffic Control Service (Nats) said that UK airspace is closed until 1800BST. The airspace closure is the most significant in “living memory,” the BBC reported, quoting a spokesman for Nats.

Experts warn that particulate matter contained within the ash cloud could potentially jeopardize aircraft engines.

The second eruption in a month in Iceland’s Eyjafjallajoekull area, the disruption of air travel has been significant. The BBC reports closure of airports in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Disruptions are reported for inbound and outbound travel via Liverpool’s John Lennon, Manchester and Newcastle airports.

Heathrow flights are currently suspended.

Delays and other travel difficulties were reported at Birmingham, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Cardiff International, and Bristol Airports.

British Airways has reportedly canceled all domestic flights Thursday, and travelers are advised to contact their airline for further clarification.