Ferry firms set to see continued demand as new ash cloud emerges

Ferry travel will continue to provide an alternative to flights over the coming days following the emergence of a second volcanic ash cloud from Iceland.

There have been widespread flight cancellations across Britain over the past five days following the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano on Wednesday April 14th, leading to unprecedented demand for ferry crossings to and from the UK and Ireland.

While limited air services have resumed today (April 20th), plans to reopen certain areas of airspace have been hit by the emergence of a new ash cloud.

Glasgow airport opened briefly this morning but was forced to close again in the afternoon, meaning travel options such as Stena Line's ferries from Stranraer to Belfast will still be in high demand.

Irish Sea crossings are provided by other companies including Irish Ferries, Norfolkline and P&O Ferries.

DFDS Seaways has announced that it will offer additional ferries from Harwich to Esbjerg this week.

The extra sailings will provide an option for people who had planned to fly from London airports, which have remained closed today.

In its latest statement on UK travel following the volcanic eruption, National Air Traffic Services said the situation will "continue to be variable" throughout the day, with restrictions still in place on UK airspace below 20,000 feet.

Posted by Mark Robinson