IAA forced to restrict flights in Irish Airports
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has informed Irish-based airlines that it will be imposing restriction on all flights in and out of Ireland from 0700hrs local until 1300hrs tomorrow, Tuesday, 4th May 2010 due to risk of ash ingestion in aircraft engines. Ireland falls within the predicted area of ash concentrations that exceed acceptable engine manufacturer tolerance levels. See map attached.
The decision is based on the safety risks to crews and passengers as a result of the drift south of the volcanic ash cloud caused by the north easterly winds.
Current information from the Volcanic Ash Advice Centre (VAAC) suggests that a ‘no fly zone' will have to be imposed over Ireland tomorrow that will affect Dublin, Shannon Galway, Sligo, Ireland West (knock), Donegal, Cork and Kerry. No flights will operate in or out of these airports until at least 1300hrs local tomorrow.
Over-flights of Ireland from the UK and Europe will NOT be impacted tomorrow. Flights in mainland Europe will operate normally.
The situation will be reviewed tomorrow morning and an update will be posted on the IAA website at 0900 hrs on Tuesday 4th May.
Please contact your airlines website for information on your flight.
ENDS
Media contacts:
David Curtin: 086 28 32 123