Bardarbunga volcano ash cloud is “unlikely” to affect UK for next few days – UK air traffic control
As the aviation alert rises to red over the risk of an ash cloud from Icelandic volcano Bardarbunga, the UK’s air traffic control has issued an update on its potential effect on air travel over Britain.
The short explanation: the current weather means even if ash started spewing from the volcano, it's unlikely to affect us – over the next couple of days, at least.
Here’s the statement in full:
The Icelandic Met Office has raised its aviation warning level near the Bardarbunga volcano to red after an eruption began overnight. Scientists said a fissure eruption 1km (0.6 miles) long started in a lava field north of the Vatnajökull glacier. A Notice to Airmen has been published by the Icelandic Civil Aviation Authority informing pilots of the danger area, where no flights will be permitted.
At present the UK Met Office advise that it is a lava eruption with no ash being emitted into the upper atmosphere. The Met Office further advise that current winds are such that if ash is emitted it is unlikely to affect UK airspace for the next couple of days. NATS is monitoring the situation and will be in close liaison with the CAA, airlines and airports should there be any risk of impact to UK or Shanwick Oceanic airspace.