Britain keeps flight ban until 1800 GMT Monday

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

Monday, April 19, 2010
LONDON: Britain's ban on flights in its airspace due to the volcanic ash cloud will remain until at least 1800 GMT, air authorities confirmed Monday.

"Conditions around the movement of the layers of the volcanic ash cloud over the UK remain dynamic," the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) said in a statement, adding that they would update their assessment at around 0800 GMT.

"Anyone hoping to travel should contact their airline before travelling to the airport."

The group said it was keeping in close contact with the national weather service, and the Civil Aviation Authority.

The statement added: "We are working closely with government, airports and airlines, and airframe and aero engine manufacturers to get a better understanding of the effects of the ash cloud and to seek solutions."

For its part, the Met Office said it would produce forecasts of the ash cloud four times a day.

"Weather patterns continue to blow volcanic ash towards the UK," it said.

"Over the weekend, Met Office observations have detected dust in the atmosphere and on the ground. A research aircraft has recently encountered dust during its flight."

The service said it would be "looking for weather windows that will allow air space restrictions to be lifted".