Volcanic ash prompts airspace closures over Ireland
Monday, 17 May 2010
LONDON, May 15 (CNN): Airports in Ireland prepared to close overnight Saturday as a drifting ash cloud from an erupting volcano in Iceland prompted the United Kingdom's air traffic authority to close airspace over parts of Northern Ireland.
Belfast International, Dublin, Donegal, Sligo and Ireland West (Knock) airports were set to close at 7 a.m. local time, the air traffic authority said.
The ash may force more airports to close again next week, the country's Department of Transport said Saturday.
If the volcano in Iceland continues to erupt at current levels and if current weather conditions prevail, air travel in Britain could be disrupted between Sunday and Tuesday.
"The government is carefully monitoring this situation and the safety of passengers will remain our paramount concern," said Transport Secretary Philip Hammond.
The department said predictions remain fluid, urging passengers to check with airlines before taking any action.
British Airways said it would notify passengers of potential disruptions on its Web site.
Belfast International, Dublin, Donegal, Sligo and Ireland West (Knock) airports were set to close at 7 a.m. local time, the air traffic authority said.
The ash may force more airports to close again next week, the country's Department of Transport said Saturday.
If the volcano in Iceland continues to erupt at current levels and if current weather conditions prevail, air travel in Britain could be disrupted between Sunday and Tuesday.
"The government is carefully monitoring this situation and the safety of passengers will remain our paramount concern," said Transport Secretary Philip Hammond.
The department said predictions remain fluid, urging passengers to check with airlines before taking any action.
British Airways said it would notify passengers of potential disruptions on its Web site.