As the travel chaos prompted by the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud continues for a fifth day, the British government launches a rescue mission to bring stranded citizens back.
The air traffic control body Nats lifted restrictions for airports in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England, which are set to reopen from 0700 BST on Tuesday.
But departure lounges across most of England and Wales remain empty as restrictions, prompted by fears the ash will harm plane engines, stay in place.
The disruption began on Thursday but the ash plume from the volcano in Iceland's Eyjafjallajoekull glacier appears to be reaching lower heights and moving away from the UK, prompting hopes the situation is improving.
People are trying to make their way home using any means necessary including this German businessman who bought a bicycle just so he could get a cross-channel ferry ticket for vehicle owners.
Companies such as Eurostar are seeing a surge in passenger numbers and have had to put on extra services because of the flight ban but they have warned people to buy tickets before turning up at departure points.
The international airline association IATA has criticised Europe's governments for closing down airspace, while British Airways has announced it is seeking compensation.
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