A quick update from NATS on this fast moving issue with the volcanic ash – and they have posted an alert that UK airspace will be restricted until 01:00BST (00:00 GMT), however some traffic on the North Atlantic Tracks from/to Glasgow, Prestwick and Belfast may operate during this period.
Next update: 14:30 from NATS, expect it to follow from GhettoIFE.com. In the Lunchtime post, I’ll be looking at the impact on other services.
NAT’s Statement:
The cloud of volcanic ash continues to cover much of the UK and the eruption in Iceland continues. Following a review of the latest Met Office information, NATS advises that restrictions preventing flights in English controlled airspace will remain in place until 0100 (UK time) tomorrow, Saturday 17 April, at the earliest.
Flights in Northern Ireland and the Western Isles of Scotland to and from Glasgow and Prestwick will continue to be allowed until 1900 (UK time) subject to individual co-ordination. North Atlantic traffic to and from Glasgow, Prestwick and Belfast may also be allowed in this period.
From 1900 (UK time), forecasts indicate that Scottish airspace may be able to accept domestic flights within Scotland and Northern/Southern Ireland, and North Atlantic flights to/from airports in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
We will review further Met Office information and at 1430 (UK time) we will advise further arrangements. In general, the situation is dynamic and subject to change.
We continue to work closely with airports, airlines, and the rest of Europe to understand and mitigate the implications of the volcanic eruption.
