IAA forced to restrict flights in Irish Airports because of Ash Cloud

[ghurley]

Source: Irish Aviation Authority

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has informed Irish-based airlines that it will be imposing restriction on all flights in and out of Ireland from 0700hrs local until 1300hrs tomorrow, Tuesday, 4th May 2010 due to risk of ash ingestion in aircraft engines. Ireland falls within the predicted area of ash concentrations that exceed acceptable engine manufacturer tolerance levels. See map attached.

The decision is based on the safety risks to crews and passengers as a result of the drift south of the volcanic ash cloud caused by the north easterly winds.

Current information from the Volcanic Ash Advice Centre (VAAC) suggests that a ‘no fly zone' will have to be imposed over Ireland tomorrow that will affect Dublin, Shannon Galway, Sligo, Ireland West (knock), Donegal, Cork and Kerry. No flights will operate in or out of these airports until at least 1300hrs local tomorrow.

Over-flights of Ireland from the UK and Europe will NOT be impacted tomorrow. Flights in mainland Europe will operate normally.

Read more: http://www.iaa.ie/index.jsp?p=93&n=96&a=884

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I know the following USAirways flights have been canceled:

F722/3May PHL/DUB
F723/4May DUB/PHL

[ghurley]

1. Increase in Activity from the Iceland Volcano Eyjafjallajökull

Iceland volcano update

Last updated: 2003 BST on Monday, 3 May 2010

Latest information from the Icelandic Meteorological Office has confirmed an increase in activity from the Iceland volcano Eyjafjallajökull.

As the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre for this area, the Met Office is continuing to provide timely information to NATS and CAA about the dispersion of the volcanic ash. This is in line with the new engine criteria set by the CAA and the aviation industry.

Current ash advisories bring the ash plume towards the north west of the UK.

Any decisions on airspace closures are the decision of the CAA and NATS and further information on the impacts of this increased activity should be sought from them.

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/corporate/pressoffice/2010/volcano.html">Full Story