All Irish airports will remain open until at least 2400 hours local tomorrow, Wednesday 12th May.
2000 hours local - Tuesday 11th May 2010: All Irish airports will remain open until at least 2400 hours local tomorrow Wednesday, 12th May.
The large volcanic ash cloud, which currently measures approximately 2,100 nautical miles long and 1,300 nautical miles wide, is still positioned over the Atlantic from Iceland 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. Tonight three direct eastbound tracks are planned through Irish-controlled airspace and this should assist North Atlantic operations. Continuing difficulties may, however, be encountered with Iberian / Canary routes.
A further update will be issued at 0930 hours local Wednesday, 12th 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:
David Curtin: 086 283 2123