Europe Flights Canceled Again

In mid April, there was a shutdown of airspaces in many countries in Europe due to the ash cloud from a volcanic eruption that occurred in Reykjavik, Iceland. (Read: Volcanic Ash Disrupts European Flights) The disruption went on for around 6 days, the longest period ever since the World War II. All the airlines had a tough task getting rid of the backlog once services resumed. But the problem and risks have arrived again. As a result, all flights in and out of Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic have been banned. Parts of the airspace in Scotland had already been closed earlier. For now, other Europe flights in the rest of the continent are operating as per schedule, but a close eye is being kept on the situation regarding the volcano.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in UK said that all the airspace over Northern Ireland has been closed. The CAA had earlier closed airspace over Scotland's Outer Hebrides. The CAA released a statement which said, "The decision followed consultation with the UK Met Office and Nats, the air traffic control service. Airspace had been closed because ash concentrations exceeded the levels agreed as safe by engine manufacturers. The CAA is closely monitoring the situation and will update the advice to operators and passengers as latest updates are produced by the Met Office." IAA chief executive Eamon Brennan said, "I am hopeful the flight restrictions can be eased later on Tuesday. We are quite optimistic that it will dissipate and we are quite optimistic for Dublin and for Shannon tomorrow afternoon but we will make a reassessment for that in the morning."

All travelers are being advised to confirm their flights and schedule with their respective airlines.