Ireland, Britain eye new ash flight bans

Flights into and out of Ireland are being grounded today from 0600 GMT to midday because of risks posed by a new cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland, the Irish Aviation Authority said.

The authority said it would be imposing restrictions "on all flights in and out of Ireland," in a statement yesterday.

"Ireland falls within the predicted area of ash concentrations that exceed acceptable engine manufacturer tolerance levels," it added.

Air authorities said yesterday a small section of British airspace is being closed,.

The new alerts should not disrupt aircraft overflying Ireland from Britain or Europe, or southern British airports including Heathrow, Europe's busiest air hub, authorities in the two countries said.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) said it had "informed Irish-based airlines that it is concerned that Irish airports may be impacted by the drift south of the volcanic ash cloud caused by the north easterly winds.

"Current information from the Volcanic Ash Advice Centre (VAAC) suggests that a 'no fly zone' may have to be imposed over Ireland tomorrow that may affect Dublin, Shannon and some regional airports," it said yesterday.

Airspace across Europe was closed down for up to a week last month after the eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull, but was re-opened after emergency talks between European governments, airlines and regulators.