Volcanic Ash Cloud - statement by Andrew Adonis

Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis has broken from campaigning to concentrate on co-ordinating the Government's transport response to the volcanic ash cloud.

Most flights across the UK remain grounded as a result of the volcanic eruption in Iceland which is continuing to pump ash into the atmosphere. This unprecedented situation is mirrored across Northern Europe.

This will inevitably have a significant impact on a large number of people in the UK whose travel plans face severe disruption and who may face extended separation from other family members.

Safety is - and will continue to be - our paramount concern. Volcanic ash particles pose a serious hazard to aircraft engines, as has been witnessed in previous examples of planes flying through clouds of volcanic ash.

At 0830 this morning National Air Traffic Services (NATS), the body responsible for managing UK airspace, extended its restrictions on most flights into and out of the UK until at least 0100 on Saturday.

Some flights from Glasgow, Prestwick and Belfast may operate today, although this situation will continue to evolve. Passengers should expect severe disruption again today and anyone planning to fly should check with their airline before leaving for the airport.

It is too early to say how long this disruption may continue. Andrew Adonis is meeting with officials in the Department for Transport this morning and will be liaising with NATS, airports, airlines, the CAA, European partner organisations and the Met Office.

All of these bodies have been working around the clock and we would like to acknowledge all their efforts so far. A further update will be issued following discussions today.  

Our aim is to ensure that the public has up to date information on the impact on air services, based on the best available data, and on their rights as travellers, that the aviation sector responds in a co-ordinated manner, and that all transport contingency options are explored thoroughly.

Train companies are already running additional services through to Scotland on the East Coast and West Coast Main Lines and further international Eurostar services have also been put on. Andrew Adonis will be exploring options for expanding these services with the relevant companies.

The Health Protection Agency has stressed that the ash does not pose a significant risk to public health.