Dutch Flights Take Off as Volcanic Ash Cloud Worsens

UK air traffic officials said a new ash cloud spreading from Iceland cast doubt on plans to reopen airspace. Photo by UK Met Office

The first flights in northern Europe have taken off after five days of inactivity caused by the spread of volcanic ash from Iceland.

Three flights departed from Amsterdam's Schiphol airport late on Monday, bound for New York, Shanghai and Dubai.

There are hopes that many routes within Europe will be able to resume operations on Tuesday.

But UK air traffic officials said a new ash cloud spreading from Iceland cast doubt on plans to reopen airspace.

They said there was now a worsening situation in some areas. The outlook for Northern Ireland is most uncertain.

British Airways says it is "reviewing" its plan to resume flights from London airports from 1800 GMT, in the light of the latest reports.

EU transport ministers proposed late Monday creating a core no-fly area, a limited-service zone and an open-skies area.

Dutch Transport Minister Camiel Eurlings said his country "taking a lead" in restarting flights, but warned that further suspensions might prove necessary if the situation worsens.

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