Hundreds of flights grounded as new volcanic ash cloud shuts Scottish and Irish airspace... and it could be heading for England

The return of the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud caused travel misery for thousands of air passengers today with hundreds of flights cancelled. Airlines had to scrap all services to and from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland after no-flight restrictions were introduced until 1pm. The ash cloud, borne on north-westerly winds, also prevented flights to and from Tiree, Barra, Benbecula and Islay in the Hebrides, and Campbeltown in Argyll in mainland Scotland. Forecasters warned the cloud is now coming towards England. It is being blown south-east from its current position above Ireland and Scotland, the Met Office said. But they stressed it was too early to say whether the ash that reached England would be concentrated enough to cause air travel restrictions. (Daily Mail)