British airspace is likely to face partial closures from today due to a return of the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud, the UK's Department for Transport (DFT) warned.

The disruption could last until Tuesday and could affect Britain's main airports around London, the ministry said yesterday.

"Due to continuing volcanic activity in Iceland and prevailing weather conditions, there is - if the volcano continues to erupt at current levels - a risk of UK airspace closures early next week," the DfT said in a statement.

"On current predictions, closures could begin as early as Sunday (today) and are likely to last until Tuesday morning.

"Within this timeframe, different parts of UK airspace - including airspace in the southeast - are likely to be closed at different times."

"However, the predictions remain fluid and air passengers are advised to check with their airlines before taking any further action."

Europe's skies were shut for up to a week last month following the eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano, in the biggest shutdown of the continent's airspace since World War II.

The volcanic ash, which can cause serious damage to jet engines, has continued to cause smaller disruptions in certain parts of Europe depending on the prevailing winds. London Heathrow Airport is Europe's busiest, while London Gatwick and London Stansted are within the top 15.

The warning over airspace closures came as Britain's new Transport Secretary Philip Hammond announced the Met Office would now publish five-day ash prediction charts rather than the previous 18-hour forecasts.

"The government is carefully monitoring this situation and the safety of passengers will remain our paramount concern."