Media

24 May at 1500 local: Based on the latest information at 1300 local from the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) in London, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) says that there will be no restrictions in Irish airspace for at least the next 24 hours.

All Irish airports remain open. However, a small number of European destinations may be affected by the ash cloud thereby impacting on flights to / from Irish airports.

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.  Passengers should also check the status of the airports they are travelling to.

The IAA is actively monitoring the situation and is in contact with the VAAC, Met Éireann, Department of Transport, airlines, airports and also European air traffic service providers. 

Following the ash crisis of 2010 the IAA issued, a number of months ago, guidelines agreed at European level, to airlines and aircraft operators for flights in airspace affected by concentrations of volcanic ash. These guidelines are designed to protect airlines operating through contaminated airspace, whilst also reducing disruption to services

The next update will be at 2100.  As new information becomes available, the IAA will continue to provide updates.

More information is available at http://www.iaa.ie/ or follow us on twitter @iaacorporate

VAAC website: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/volcano/public/natlantic.html

ENDS