Ireland, Britain Bans Flights As Volcanic Ash Risk Returns

Irish and British aviation authorities have closed down airspace because of a renewed risk to flights from volcanic ash drifting south from Iceland.

The Irish Aviation Authority shut down airspace for six hours this morning, but says the threat is now fading and airspace will soon reopen.

British aviation chiefs also closed down airspace over the Outer Hebrides, an island chain off the northwest of Scotland, late on May 3 and said the shutdown would be extended to Northern Ireland.

Flights over Europe were shut down for six days last month over fears that ash from the volcanic eruption in Iceland could damage jet engines.

compiled from agency reports