Media

0800 - Tuesday 11th May 2010: All Irish airports will remain open until at least 0100 hours tomorrow Wednesday 12th May.

The large volcanic ash cloud which currently measures approximately 2,400 miles long and 1,300 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 IAA expects an improvement today with routes available just North of Ireland. Continuing difficulties may be encountered with Iberian / Canary routes.

The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) and the Central Flow Management Unit (CFMU) at Eurocontrol continue to furnish the Irish Aviation Authority with up-to-date information on the ash cloud. This enables the Authority to assess the impact it could have on air safety.

A further update will be issued at 1430hrs Tuesday, 11th May 2010.

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