Media

1430 local - Tuesday 11^th May 2010: All Irish airports will remain open until at least 1300 hours local tomorrow Wednesday 12^th May. The large volcanic ash cloud, which currently measures approximately 2,400 nautical miles long and 1,300 nautical miles wide, is still positioned over the Atlantic from Greenland to the Iberian peninsula. See chart

For the past number of days, North Atlantic routes have been North of Iceland and as far South as Santiago in Spain. The North Atlantic route structure from Ireland has improved today and this should assist North Atlantic operations tomorrow. Continuing difficulties may be encountered with Iberian / Canary routes.

A further update will be issued at 2030 hrs local Tuesday, 11th May 2010.

The IAA is conscious of the need to maintain airspace open but stresses all decisions are based solely on safety. The VAAC charts are based on multiple information sources including satelite pictures and ground-based technologies.

The IAA uses the VAAC charts to inform its decisions about opening or closing Irish airports. When the ash cloud encroaches on Irish airspace, the IAA reviews the VAAC charts, local meteorological data, and input from the Eurocontrol Central Flow Management Unit to decide which airports are closed and for how long. The IAA also has its own on-site contact in Iceland.

Passengers planning to travel by air over the coming days are advised to regularly check their airline websites and the IAA website in advance of going to the airport.

Media contacts

Ken Rogan: 086 317 9955