STANSTED Airport will remain closed until 7am on Friday morning at the earliest, it has been announced. Travel plans for thousands of passengers hoping to travel from the Essex hub are in ruins following the closure of UK airspace at noon today (Thursday)

STANSTED Airport will remain closed until 7am on Friday morning at the earliest, it has been announced.

Travel plans for thousands of passengers hoping to travel from the Essex hub are in ruins following the closure of UK airspace at noon today (Thursday).

Our reporter, Nick Thompson, who is at Stansted Airport, said many passengers had listened to the advice issued by BAA and had stayed at home.

He said: "There are a few people here who are waiting for news on flights, but most have accepted that they are not going to be flying anywhere today and have gone home or are checking into hotels.

"One couple I have spoken to, Terry and Jill Durrant from Norfolk, were supposed to be travelling to Ireland with Ryanair. They were due to fly this morning, and when they checked online before leaving home it said their flight wasn't delayed.

"However when they got to Stansted it was a very different story. They know it's no one's fault, but they are disappointed about the lack of information.

"I have spoken to a lot of people who were supposed to be flying to Spain this morning. All of whom have been disappointed.

"There are still a few small groups of people turning up at the airport, but I think most people have got the message now and realised they won't be going anywhere.

"The airline desks are empty and the general feeling is that the airline staff haven't been very helpful. The airport staff, however, have been more informative.

"There is a real concern among the people here that they will have to spend a lot of money on hotel bills - none of which they will get back.