Ash Clouds Halt NI Flights

Volcanic plumes travelling from Iceland have disrupted most flights to and from the Province this morning.

The dangerous ash's movement, which has seen air travel cancelled across the British Isles, is particularly hazardous to aircraft engines.

All flights out of Belfast City Airport have been halted, with most out-bound and in-bound planes at the International Airport grounded.

City of Derry Airport has also suspended all air travel.

Passengers have been urged to contact their airlines for more details.

A spokesman for Belfast's largest airport said the onus is on the carriers to cancel flights.

Most take their advice from National Air Traffic Services (NATS), which this morning warned against take off.

A statement released earlier said: "NATS has restricted the number of aircraft flying into UK airspace because of an ash cloud caused by the volcanic eruption in Iceland.

"Volcanic ash represents a significant safety threat to aircraft."

NATS said it is monitoring the situation with the Met Office, Eurocontrol and neighbouring countries, and working closely with the airlines to help inform their decisions about their operations.

Flights scheduled in the Republic of Ireland have also been disrupted.

Ash is billowing from a glacier in the Eyjafjallajoekull area of Iceland.

The eruption first occurred around three weeks ago, however a second upsurge, teamed with the varying rates of emission intensity means dust was only pushed southwards within the past 12 hours.

Scotland, the most northern region of the United Kingdom, was affected first.

Met Office staff have predicted the ash will move to more southern areas as the day progresses.

All flights out of London have already been grounded.

(PR/NS)