Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
Iceland volcano cancels flights

Here we go again.
After last year's misery from the Eyjafjallajökull eruption, now another Icelandic volcano, Grimsvötn, is causing a new round of worries.
More than 250 flights have already been canceled as a cloud of volcanic ash blows over Scotland. Most of Ireland, northern Wales, and northern England will see the ash later today.
Several Scottish airports have been affected, including major ones such as Edinburgh and Glasgow. Other airports that will likely have problems today include Londonderry, Prestwick, Durham Tees Valley, Newcastle, and Carlisle. Officials say the cloud should move on and flights from Edinburgh and Glasgow will resume this afternoon. Airports in the far north of Scotland should get the all-clear tomorrow. Of course, that's assuming there are no more eruptions or changes in the wind.
Luckily the wind has taken much of the ash away from populated areas, over the far north Atlantic, eastern Greenland, and north of Scandinavia.
Several airlines are not flying through Scottish airspace. You can see a full list here. Since the northerly route between Europe and North America passes through the ash cloud, transatlantic flights may have to be diverted, causing delays. Check ahead before going to the airport.
So far this doesn't look like another Eyjafjallajökull. The Grimsvötn eruption is smaller and the ash particles are bigger, meaning they fall to earth more quickly instead of hanging in the atmosphere for days.
Have your travel plans been affected by the Grimsvötn eruption? Tell us about it in the comments section!
[Photo courtesy Roger McLassus]
Filed under: Europe, Iceland, United Kingdom, Airlines, Transportation, Airports, News












Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Cosmic May 24th 2011 8:05AM
Oh, I'm going this Thursday from Australia to Paris (via Finland). I really hope I 'll be there as planed!
kittycatcorn May 24th 2011 8:59AM
I'm due to fly from JFK to Heathrow on Saturday night. It's not looking good. Fingers crossed.
Dean W May 24th 2011 5:53PM
Fascinating to have yet another volcanic activity is happening on that same area of the world once again, still it affects so much more than just that part. Maybe there is something that's gonna happen. My inner geek couldn't help but ponder precisely how we might be able to work with the Hulk to hold the planet together like he did in the comics.
Jacey May 25th 2011 1:13AM
I've followed Iceland Review for quite a while. This eruption is actually bigger than last year's Eyjafjallajökull eruption, and in the first 24 hours Grimsvötn let out more ash than Eyjafjallajökull did in 40 days.
http://icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/?cat_id=29314&ew_0_a_id=378241
It's just that the ash's coarser and heavier so not as bad as last year in terms of flight cancellations.
Jan Nordic Jun 7th 2011 6:55AM
Wanna travel around Iceland?
Netbus is a licensed Icelandic tour and travel provider, offering welcoming bus trips across Iceland, professional guided coach tours and airport transfers upon request. Over the course of 50 years, Netbus has always believed in providing quality service at cheap prices. Netbus also believes in providing its customers with expert knowledge about Iceland and the country’s unique landscape and history. Visit the Blue lagoon, Gullfoss, Geysir, Thingvellir & more.
Jane Nemec Mar 14th 2012 6:03AM
We at Nordic travel offer self drives tours all around Iceland. If it is whale watching, a visit to the Blue lagoon or horseback riding through stunning landscapes you seek, we have the solution. Stay at a hotel in Reykjavik of your choice. We cater trips of various lengths and interests. Iceland is closer than you think and more fun than you ever dreamed of. With daily flights from all over the world, Iceland awaits you with plenty of action and amazing nature.
http://www.iceland-nordictravel.com/