Media

1700 hours local - Tuesday 11^th May 2010: Since the start of the eruption of Mt Eyjafjallajokull, the London Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), has worked to optimise their volcanic ash prediction model to the current volcanic event, which has seen unprecedented levels of volcanic material emitted into European airspace over the last four weeks.

Together with the UK CAA and Eurocontrol, and based on empirical evidence from a significant number of flights, the IAA has now removed the 60 nautical mile buffer zone around the no fly area. A copy of the Eurocontrol notice can be viewed here. Irish Airlines have been informed accordingly.

Over the next number of days, together with our colleagues in Europe, the IAA will continue to collect data, and keep the situation under review.

The next update on the movement of the volcanic ash cloud and its potential impact on Irish-controlled airspace will be at 2030 hours local this evening.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Ken Rogan: 086 317 9955