Airports closed again over volcanic ash fears

The continuing threat posed by a cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland has led to a number of airports in Scotland and Northern Ireland being closed again today (May 5th), meaning ferry travel will continue to provide a valuable alternative to stranded passengers.

Following an update from the Met Office, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced that certain parts of airspace in the region will be closed from 07:00 until 13:00 BST.

Major airports including Glasgow, Prestwick and Inverness are among those affected in Scotland this morning, along with Derry in Northern Ireland.

The CAA also revealed that it expects the Scottish bases, as well as the two major airports in Belfast, to remain closed between 13:00 and 19:00 BST today.

Alternative travel options in the region include Stena Line's ferries from Stranraer to Belfast and the Larne to Cairnryan ferry service operated by P&O Irish Sea.

While airports in northern England such as Manchester, Liverpool and Blackpool remain open, the CAA stressed that the situation is "dynamic" and a no-fly zone imposed around concentrations of ash in the air could be extended.

People travelling from this region can take ferries from Liverpool to Belfast with Norfolkline Irish Sea or use Stena Line's Fleetwood to Larne ferry service.

Posted by Andrew Smith