EUROCONTROL: Update on European air traffic situation
15-Apr-2010 The EUROCONTROL Central Flow Management Unit was advised yesterday afternoon of a volcanic ash cloud moving from Iceland in a easterly direction towards north western European countries.
In accordance with agreed international procedures the Central Flow Management Unit (CFMU), air navigation service providers (ANSP) and meteorological authorities put in place the appropriate coordination procedures in order to handle this event.
Based on the guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organisation normal air traffic control services cannot be provided to flights in airspaces affected by volcanic ash. Therefore several air navigation service providers have issued notifications to airlines requiring the temporary suspension of air traffic. These suspensions are being put in place via air traffic flow management restrictions being implemented by the CFMU.
At present most air traffic in the north of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden is suspended. These restrictions will be extended to cover the southern United Kingdom area in the coming hours.
The main north Atlantic east bound flow arrived at European airports with little disruption. Routes to handle the afternoon westbound flow have been moved to the south to avoid the volcanic ash zone. However, it is expected that this flow of traffic will be disrupted.
Regular teleconferences attended by ANSPs, airport authorities, airlines and CFMU are being held to advise all parties of the measures.
Passengers seeking information on flights should contact their airline or airport.