Media

The latest reports from the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in London http://metoffice.com/aviation/vaac/vaacuk_vag.html indicate that the ash cloud to the south of Ireland has moved back towards the south coast. The Irish Aviation Authority has announced that Cork, Kerry, Waterford and Shannon Airports will be affected by this development.

Airspace Status until further notice

Mr Philip Hughes, Director of Technology, Irish Aviation Authority, said "The indications are that the ash cloud will present a serious risk to flights in and out of Cork, Waterford and Kerry Airports and Shannon Airport to a lesser degree. As a result we have no alternative but to impose these restrictions until further notice.

Irish Airports and Irish Airspace, with the exception of a block off the south coast, have been operating without restrictions since 10am this morning. However, airlines were unable to capitalise on this arrangement because of the severe restrictions in UK and European airspace.

The airports in England and Wales have been closed all day today and the restrictions will remain in place until at least 7a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, 17^th April 2010. Continental Europe also has restrictions at many of its airports.

The Authority will continue to assess the Volcanic Ash Advice Centre reports and if safety is at risk it may be necessary to impose further restrictions.

Passengers should visit the websites of their airlines on a regular basis for updates on all flights.

The IAA will provide an update after 10.00 on Saturday, 17^th April 2010.

Ends

For further information contact:

David Curtin
Tel: 0862832123