THE dense cloud of ash from an Icelandic volcano will keep most planes in the UK grounded again today, but the closing of British air space has been good news for rail companies.

The ash cloud is still drifting slowly across north west Europe after the eruption on Wednesday hurled debris 11km into the sky. The small particles of rock and ice are not thought to be posing a health hazard, but jet engines are extremely vulnerable to volcanic ash, which is compressed when the air is sucked in by the turbines, coating the interior with molten glass.

UK airspace has been closed to all but emergency flights since Thursday, and the ban is to continue at least until 01.00 on Saturday. The resulting disruption, with many major airports closed, has seen displaced passengers flocking to trains and also to ferries.

Eurostar is running close to capacity, reporting thousands of extra passengers, and Virgin Trains has already carried an extra 2,000 people between London and Scotland since the crisis began on Thursday, closing most major British airports.

Air passengers to Devon and Cornwall are also turning to rail. Exeter airport has reported all services cancelled, while Newquay airport is providing only a few local flights to and from the Scilly Isles.

Meanwhile in Scotland, Inverness airport said all highlands and islands flights would stay grounded for the time being.

The Association of Train Operating Companies said extra trains would be run where possible. In a statement, ATOC said: “Train companies are experiencing an increase in demand as air passengers shift to rail services. Where it’s possible, operators are looking into what can be done to provide extra services to help stranded air passengers get around the country.”

 

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