NATS extended its restrictions on UK airspace until at least 0700 BST on Saturday. Restrictions will be lifted in parts of Scottish airspace and Northern Ireland from 1900 BST on Friday. North Atlantic Traffic will also be cleared for operation within the open airspaces.
From NATS:
The cloud of volcanic ash continues to move south through the UK and the eruption in Iceland continues.
Following a review of the latest Met Office information, NATS advises that restrictions preventing flights in controlled airspace over England and Wales will remain in place until 0700 (UK time) tomorrow, Saturday 17 April, at the earliest. From 1900 (UK time) today ATC restrictions will be lifted in a large part of Scottish airspace including Scottish airports, Shetland, Orkneys and also Northern Ireland.
On this basis, North Atlantic traffic can also operate to/from points in this airspace. Please note these arrangements do not mean that all flights will operate. Anyone hoping to travel today or tomorrow should contact their airline before going to the airport.
We are looking for opportunities when the ash cloud moves sufficient for us to enable some flights to operate under individual coordination with ATC. Some aircraft were able to operate at Manchester this morning, although restrictions are now reapplied to Manchester.
We hope there may be some opportunity from the north into Newcastle after 0100 (UK time) tomorrow – Saturday.
We will review further Met Office information and at 2030 (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.
Source www.nats.co.uk
So expect further delays and cancellations for now.
