UK airports affected by volcano eruption

Ash cloud caused by the eruption of an Icelandic volcano is disrupting the travel plans of thousands of British holidaymakers.

A number of UK airports have closed, and hundreds of flights have been cancelled across Europe, The Daily Mail has reported.

All London airports are to close from 12pm today, with any airports elsewhere in the country remaining open likely to suffer major disruption.

The volcano at the centre of the chaos, Eyjafjallajokull, erupted yesterday for the second time in the space of a month, spewing clouds of ash thousands of feet into the air. Winds blowing in a south easterly direction are due to push the cloud across Europe tonight.

Scottish airports were the first to close as clouds began to sweep across the UK from the north.

Although the ash cannot be seen from the ground, it can be damaging to aircraft engines, as well as reduce visibility whilst up in the air.

If your flight has been affected by the volcanic ash alert, it is strongly advised that you contact your airline to check on the status of your flight. Your airline may offer to refund or rebook your flight, but you will need to check with them first.