London airports shut down by volcanic ash cloud
(15 April 2010)
A cloud of volcanic cloud from an eruption in Iceland has led to all air space north of London being closed down.
British Airways has confirmed no flights will depart from from Heathrow, Gatwick or London City airports after 11.30 today while all its domestic flights have also been cancelled.
Already, more than 150 flights have been cancelled at Heathrow and 138 at Gatwick, including the majority of easyJet and Monarch departures.
All airports in Scotland have already been closed and problems are moving south as prevalent winds blow the cloud towards London.
The radical steps have been taken because aircraft engines are particularly sensitive to volcanic ash.
More details and advice to follow throughout today.