Just to put it in to perspective what the impacts this is currently having on British and European Aviation, as well as transatlantic services (that route through British airspace), this is the current radar screen via SBS-1 (before you ask, it's not available without the correct equipment!) for British and part of European airspace. As you can see, our airspace is currently closed and devoid of aircraft other than odd flights in to London. These will cease shortly as well as parts of europe as the ash continues with prevailing winds. It's pretty eerie up there at the moment, I've never seen anything like it!


(click for a larger version)

I know it must be frustrating for passengers and those that are travelling today and likely tomorrow (knock-on effects), but please be patient with those at the airport and with airlines when you contact them. This is a natural event and out of anyones control. Airspace has been closed for the safety of passengers as per my post on the previous page.

I have friends who were flying from Manchester to Barbados this morning for a 3 week cruise around the Caribbean then sailing across the Atlantic to Southampton. They've just arrived back home with the tour operator trying to sort out when/if they can pick up the cruise from one of the island stops over the weekend.

Darren