Ash cloud Strikes again – consumer tips and advice

Ash Cloud Advice: The Curse of the Ash cloud strikes again: Its time the CAA and Nats got there act together and stopped this… Aircraft are quite capable of going around an ash cloud..

See consumer advice tips for help. – http://www.cheaperholidays.com/travel/volcanic-ash-flight-cancellations-consumer-advice/2010/05/01/

Yet again Airports in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland are to close from 0700 BST today because of risks from volcanic ash, the Civil Aviation Authority has said. Forecasts show the 60 nautical mile buffer zone imposed around high concentrations of ash is close to some northern airports.

The CAA advised air passengers to check with airports before travelling and warned the situation was changeable.

However, the latest advice issued by the CAA at 0200 BST said airports in Edinburgh and north-west England could safely stay open on Wednesday, despite the proximity of the ash.

Glasgow, Prestwick and Derry are likely to be closed all day, while there are plans to shut Inverness in the morning only, and Belfast in the afternoon.

Current AIRPORT CLOSURES
Glasgow 0700-1900
Prestwick 0700-1900
Inverness 0700-1300
Stornoway 0700-1900
Benbecula 0700-1900
Tiree 0700-1900
Islay 0700-1900
Barra 0700-1900
Campbeltown 0700-1900
Derry 0700-1900
Belfast International 1300-1900
Belfast City 1300-1900

Last month, volcanic ash clouds from Iceland grounded flights for six days.

The situation in the skies has been changing almost hour by hour, meaning the picture for air travellers is unclear.

All times in BST. Source: CAA at 0200 BST