MORE trains are running on the East and West Coast Main Lines, in a bid to help passengers immobilised by the continuing aviation crisis. Both Eurostar and Eurotunnel have boosted their services, but Eurostar is appealing to passengers not to attempt to travel unless they have confirmed reservations.

Nearly all aircraft are staying on the ground again today in the United Kingdom and many other European countries, as the Icelandic volcanic ash spreads. The eruption responsible is continuing, and although another review of the position will take place at 01.00 tomorrow, some scientists are warning that the end may not be in sight.

Problems are occurring on parts of the continent, with no trains reported to be running between Spain and France for a time. Thousands of stranded passengers are continuing their bid to return to their home countries, and three Royal Navy ships are being drafted in to help. A special ferry also ran between Norway and the Port of Tyne, reviving a route which closed two years ago.

Both East Coast and Virgin Trains are running additional services. A number of London--Newcastle trains have been extended to Edinburgh and some trains in Scotland have been strengthened. The Scottish Government said Edinburgh to Aberdeen and Edinburgh to Inverness trains were being strengthened to five cars. Trains between Glasgow Queen Street and Aberdeen were also being strengthened to five and and six cars today.

The transport secretary Andrew Adonis is holding emergency talks with his opposite numbers today, and he is describing the crisis as ‘very serious’. He said the DfT had been working ‘flat out’ with Eurostar and Eurotunnel to boost cross-Channel capacity.

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