Ireland steers clear of volcano woes as 500 flights in Europe are grounded - PHOTOS

Thick plumes of ash and smoke continue to disrupt travel plans around Europe

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A cloud of smoke and ash is seen over the Grimsvoetn volcano on Iceland on May 21, 2011. The cloud rising up from Grimsvoetn as a result of the eruption was seen first time around 1900 GMT and in less than an hour it had reached an altitude of 11 kilometres (6.8 miles)," according to the Icellandic meterological institute.

Photo by AFP

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PHOTOS - Iceland's Grimsvotn volcano eruptions - photo gallery

Ireland’s Aviation Authority (IAA) has confirmed that the Icelandic volcano, Grimsvotn, which is erupting, should not disrupt Ireland’s airspace over the next 24 hours. At least 500 flights across Europe have been grounded already.

A spokesperson for the IAA said “However, a small number of European destinations may be affected by the ash cloud thereby impacting on flights to / from Irish airports."

On Tuesday Ryanair were forced to cancel 36 of their flights including those to and from Glasgow Prestwick and Edinburgh following direction from the IAA. Aer Lingus has also grounded 20 flights.
Eurocontrol has predicted more cancellations across Europe on Wednesday.

READ MORE: Icelandic ash cloud will cause fresh air travel chaos – VIDEO & PHOTOS

Although other airlines across Europe are inclined to agree and scramble to accommodate their passengers Ryanair has disputed the danger and predictions on flying in the ash clouds. In an online statement Michael O’Leary’s company said that in a one-hour flight test from Glasgow to Inverness in Scotland they found “no visible ash cloud or any other presence of volcanic ash."

While the Irish low-budget airline is asking for the airspace over Scotland to be reopened the British authorities say their test flight did not fly through the “red zone”.

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