Ash cloud closes some British and Irish airports

London Heathrow during April flight delays (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

By DAVID S. WHITE

Examiner.com
Updated May 16, 2010

Drifting volcanic ash continues to cause intermittent problems at airports in  the United Kingdom and Ireland airspace.  The current forecast includes a slight chance of  airspace restrictions in southeastern England later in the week.  The area includes London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports. The extent of any  airport closures, delays, cancellations, and rerouting of flights is uncertain.

German air traffic authorities are also looking at the possibility that volcanic ash will affect German airports later in the week.

Airports status (May 16–all times local):

Ireland
Dublin - Open
Cork - Open
Shannon - Open
Donegal - Closed until 12:00 noon May 17

United Kingdom
Northern Ireland (all) - Closed
Prestwick - Closed
Manchester - Closed
Liverpool -Closed
Leeds- Closed
London (all) - Open

(AP Photo/Brynjar Gauti)

The eruption of a volcano in Iceland continues to spew ash into the atmosphere and shifting winds have created challenges for European air traffic authorities.

High concentrations of airborne volcanic ash pose a danger to aircraft when particles are ingested into jet engines. Aircraft entering dense ash plumes in the past have experienced engine shutdowns. European authorities were criticized for overreacting to the ash clouds by shutting down almost all airspace in April.  EU transportation agencies have refined flight rules to keep airways open and close only limited areas as conditions change.

This is a developing story.  Check back for updates.

For more info: 

• Ireland's Aviation Authority
  
  • Dublin, Ireland airport
  • Shannon, Ireland airport
• Britain's National Air Traffic Service
  • Edinburgh, Scotland Airport
  • Glasgow, Scotland Airport
  • London, England Heathrow airport
  • London, England Gatwick airport
• Eurocontrol–European air traffic control organization