Volcanic ash extends Bristol Airport flight shutdown

Bristol Airport is advising passengers not to travel there

Bristol Airport has has been forced to halt all flights for a third day as airspace over the UK is affected by an Icelandic ash cloud.

The air traffic control service (Nats) has now extended its restriction on flights until at least 1900 BST on Saturday.

It follows a review of the latest information from the Met Office, a spokesman said.

The ash cloud contains particles which could damage jet aircraft engines.

Initially, Nats said all flights would be grounded until 1900 BST on Thursday, except in emergency situations.

However, further reviews meant the ban has now been extended.

A few services are being permitted as the ash clears, mainly in and out of Northern Ireland, western Scotland and parts of south-west England.

Travellers booked on flights have been sent e-mails and text messages advising them to contact their airline operators.

Airport spokeswoman Jacqui Mills said the restriction was an unprecedented situation.

She said: "An airport is a 24-hour, seven day a week operation and we have to be ready and prepared for when flights resume.

"As soon as we get the information that flights are operating, we'll be ready to go.

"All of our customers are very understanding and we are working hard with our airline customers to resume to normal."

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