UK AIRPORTS REMAIN SHUT AS VOLCANIC ASH CLOUD SPREADS:
(17 April 2010) Flight restrictions in UK airspace have been extended until at least 1am tomorrow, as transport ministers from across Europe prepare for a video conference to discuss how to deal with the worsening situation.The National Air Traffic Control Service (Nats) last night said there may be some limited opportunities for flights to operate in Shetland. It said: "Conditions around the movement of the layers of the volcanic ash cloud over the UK remain dynamic.
"Nats is maintaining close dialogue with the Met Office and with the UK's safety regulator, the CAA, in respect of the international civil aviation policy we follow in applying restrictions to use of airspace. We are currently awaiting CAA guidance."
A further statement is expected at 3pm this afternoon.
British Airways carried out a test flight from Heathrow to Cardiff yesterday. KLM and the German airline Lufthansa have also carried out test flights in their countries’ airspace. EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas said he hoped 50% of Europe's airspace would be risk-free today, and EU transport ministers will hold a video teleconference to assess the situation.
Giving a press conference outside Downing Street, prime minister Gordon Brown said the Royal Navy could be used to ferry passengers back to Britain. The announcement came on the day that international airlines and pilots demanded a relaxation of the no-fly zone which has grounded most flights across northern Europe for the past four days.
Commercial flights were first grounded on Thursday as weather systems pushed the cloud of ash south from Iceland. Volcanic ash is a particular threat to aircraft engines and can cause them to stall.
The effect of the lockdown on airlines is growing by the day. Airline body IATA said on Friday that its conservative estimate was that the grounding would cost around $200 million per day in lost revenues, plus the additional costs of bringing services back into line once the restrictions are lifted.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has set up a helpline for those stranded overseas on 020 7008 0000.
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