NATS update: All UK airports to remain closed until 1pm on Friday due to volcanic ash

AIRPORTS across the UK, including Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow, will remain closed until at least 1pm tomorrow (Friday), National Air Traffic Services has announced. A NATS spokesman said: The cloud of volcanic ash continues to cover much of the UK. Fo

AIRPORTS across the UK, including Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow, will remain closed until at least 1pm tomorrow (Friday), National Air Traffic Services has announced.

A NATS spokesman said: "The cloud of volcanic ash continues to cover much of the UK. Following a review of the latest Met Office information, NATS advises that restrictions will remain in place in UK controlled airspace until 1300 (UK time) tomorrow, Friday 16 April, at the earliest.

"However, flights from Northern Ireland and the Western Isles of Scotland to and from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Prestwick may be allowed in the period from 0100 (UK time) to 1300 (UK time) tomorrow subject to individual co-ordination.

"North Atlantic traffic to and from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Prestwick and Belfast may also be allowed in the period.

"We will review further Met Office information and at 0230 (UK time) tomorrow we will advise the arrangements that will be in place through to 1800 (UK time) tomorrow. "However be aware that the situation cannot be said to be improving with any certainty as the forecast affected area appears to be closing in from east to west. We continue to work closely with airports, airlines, and the rest of Europe to understand and mitigate the implications of the volcanic eruption.