Volcanic ash grounds flights

Flights across the UK have been grounded as a result of a volcanic eruption in Ireland.

National Air Traffic Services (Nats) confirmed that the measure has been taken due to the "significant safety threat" posed to aircraft by ash in the air.

No flights are being allowed in UK-controlled airspace except in the case of emergencies and passengers are facing cancellations and long delays at airports across the country.

"We are monitoring the situation with the Met Office, Eurocontrol and neighbouring countries and working closely with the airlines to help inform their decisions about their operations," Nats stated.

The eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano on Tuesday led to the evacuation of 800 residents and a cloud of ash is now drifting in a south-easterly direction.

According to the Herald, volcanic eruptions can have a significant effect on the weather, with history showing temperatures are typically lowered while sunsets appear more spectacular due to the reflections of the sun's rays off the ash cloud.

Written by Joseph Hutton