by Jane Fazackarley

Created on: April 15, 2010   Last Updated: March 14, 2011

Air traffic throughout the United Kingdom was grounded after an ash cloud from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano some 1,000 miles away in Iceland covered the skies making it unsafe for planes to fly.  This is the first time that an incident like this has happened in the country with every major airline being forced to halt their flights  for the safety of passengers

While experts say that the volcanic dust isn't dangerous to people as it's too far up in the atmosphere to cause any real harm, there was real concerns as to the potential damage that the ash could cause to the engines of planes.  This led to the decision to cancel all United Kingdom flights.

Later is was decided to cancel flights made by air ambulances so as not to risk their safety.

There are plans to resume flights from 7:00 on Friday morning but some people are doubtful as to whether this will be possible.  If flights do resume tomorrow, then UK passengers can expect the usual delays that they have become only too familiar with recently while the backup of flights is dealt with.

As I write, the problem is 'said to' be receding from the United Kingdom but that does not mean that the skies above will not remain contaminated by the ash and now it seems the impact on flights is beginning to spread worldwide. 

Flights from the United States have seen some disruption and planes have been grounded in Hong Kong, Mexico and Tokyo.  Other countries have also been affected.

Reports earlier this evening say the ash cloud is now traveling to France.

The Icelandic volcano first began to erupt again in March of this year after having laid in a dormant state for hundreds of years.  The eruption led to planes being ground in Iceland and 500 people were moved from their own homes for their safety.

The NATS website is currently off line because of the hoards of visitors that it has received today from people trying to find the latest information.  They have made this statement available:

"The cloud of volcanic ash continues to cover much of the UK. Following a review of the latest Met Office information, NATS advises that restrictions will remain in place in UK controlled airspace until 1300 (UK time) tomorrow, Friday 16 April, at the earliest.

However, flights from Northern Ireland and the Western Isles of Scotland to and from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Prestwick may be allowed in the period from 0100 (UK time) to 1300 (UK time) tomorrow subject to individual co-ordination. North Atlantic traffic to and from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Prestwick and Belfast may also be allowed in the period."

Learn more about this author, Jane Fazackarley.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.