RYANAIR has confirmed that due to the spread of volcanic ash from Iceland and the closure of much of Northern Europe s airspace it has cancelled over 600 flights across Europe today. Ryanair will not operate any flights to/from Belgium, Denmark, Finland

RYANAIR has confirmed that due to the spread of volcanic ash from Iceland and the closure of much of Northern Europe's airspace it has cancelled over 600 flights across Europe today.

Ryanair will not operate any flights to/from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Sweden or the UK before 1pm on Friday April 16.

Ryanair will continue to work with relevant European ATC's and Met Offices throughout the night and will post updated flight information as it becomes available on www.ryanair.com.

Passengers due to travel to/from airports in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Sweden or the UK after 1pm tomorrow should monitor the status of their flight on Ryanair's Live Flight Information page overnight and on Friday morning.

Ryanair's Stephen McNamara said: "Ryanair apologises sincerely for the inconvenience caused to passengers by these widespread flight disruptions. Passengers affected by cancelations will be contacted directly via email and offered a full refund or a transfer to the next available flight, free of charge.

"Passengers who are due to travel to/from the affected airports/countries after 13:00hrs on Friday 16th Apr should monitor the status of their flight on Ryanair's Live Flight Information page on www.ryanair.com before travelling to their departure airport.