British airports closed again as ash cloud returns

A cloud of ash created by a volcanic eruption in Iceland has once again drifted into UK airspace, meaning several airports have been closed today (May 17th) and face further disruptions later in the week.

Ferry companies will once again provide a valuable alternative to travellers whose flights have been cancelled.

P&O Ferries, Stena Line and Irish Ferries were among the operators to report substantial increases in passenger numbers when the volcanic ash cloud first emerged last month.

In its latest update on the situation, National Air Traffic Services said that airports including Belfast, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Cardiff will be closed until 13:00 BST today.

Heathrow, Gatwick and London City airports in the south-east have also been affected and could be forced into further suspensions if the ash cloud continues to drift south.

Sea travel options for people in Northern Ireland and Scotland include Stena Line's ferries from Stranraer to Belfast and P&O Ferries' Larne to Cairnryan ferry route.

Norfolkline operates ferries from Rosyth to Zeebrugge in Belgium.

If the major airports in London are closed, travellers can reach Europe via LD Lines' Portsmouth to Le Havre ferry route or by taking ferries from Dover to Calais with P&O Ferries or Seafrance.

Posted by Andrew Smith