Media

1800 - Tuesday 20th April 2010: Based on the latest Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre reports http://metoffice.com/aviation/vaac/vaacuk_vag.html  the following is the situation within Irish Airspace.

1. Dublin Airport will remain closed for all inbound and outbound commercial flights until 2200 hours tonight.
2. Shannon Airport is currently open but will close at 2100 hours. Shannon airport had been scheduled to close at 1900, but is being kept open until 2100 to facilitate the safe return of British Airways aircraft already en route.
3. Cork airport will remain closed until 2200.
4. Overflights of Irish Airspace are permitted above Flight Level 205 (twenty thousand five hundred feet )

The IAA continues to work with neighbouring civil aviation authorities, with the airlines and with engine manufacturers to implement the decisions of the Transport Ministers yesterday. Negotiations in this respect are progressing and we are hoping to soon have a graduated return to normal operations subject to the positioning of the high risk zone which has dangerous levels of volcanic ash and which requires total restriction.

The IAA has no information on any individual flights and passengers should consult airline websites before travelling to the airport for flights.

There will be a further update at 2100.

Ends

For further information contact:

Ken Rogan
086 317 9955