Ireland concerned about volcanic ash cloud drift, may close airspace
By APMonday, May 3, 2010
Irish authorities: Volcanic ash may close airspace
DUBLIN, Ireland — Ireland’s Aviation Authority says it may impose a no-fly zone over the country Tuesday because of concerns about the southward drift of volcanic ash from Iceland.
The authority says northeasterly winds are causing the ash cloud, originating from southern Iceland, to drift south to Ireland. It has informed Irish-based airlines it may be forced to restrict flights.
It said the potential restrictions could affect Dublin and other regional airports, but British airports including Heathrow in London will not be impacted. It said it expected to make a decision at 8 p.m. (1900 GMT, 3 p.m. EDT) Monday.
Iceland’s Meteorological Office said a change of wind direction in the past few days meant that the ash cloud was blowing south and southeast toward Europe, rather than northward over Iceland.
