Latest Update

The no-fly zone over parts of the northwestern UK and Ireland has been extended to midnight on Sunday local time due to the high density of volcanic ash drifting from Iceland.

In scenes that have become all-too-familiar in recent weeks, thousands of passengers have been left stranded in airports.

The reach of the ban has also been extended to Birmingham and Norwich, but airports around London are as yet unaffected.

However, the government has warned that parts of UK airspace, including the south east, may have to close until Tuesday.

Airspace across Europe was originally closed for an unprecedented five days due to fears that the ash particles would clog up jet engines.

Experts say the Eyjafjallajokull volcano’s last eruption went on for two years, and believe this current one could last several months.

The wind is expected to change direction mid-week, taking the ash cloud away from the UK.