AIRPORTS in the south of England, including Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow, will remain closed until further notice, National Air Traffic Services (NATS) has said. However, planes will be able to take off and land at airports in Scotland and Newcastle, an

AIRPORTS in the south of England, including Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow, will remain closed until further notice, National Air Traffic Services (NATS) has said.

However, planes will be able to take off and land at airports in Scotland and Newcastle, and airspace over 20,000ft across the rest of the UK will be available between 1pm and 7pm.

A spokesman for NATS said: "The situation regarding the volcanic eruption in Iceland remains dynamic and the latest information from the Met Office shows that the situation today will continue to be variable.

"Based on the latest Met Office information, part of Scottish airspace including Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh airports will continue to be available from 1300-1900 today, and also south to Newcastle Airport. Restrictions will remain in place over the rest of UK airspace below 20,000ft.

"Overnight the CAA, in line with new guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) decided flights above the ash cloud will be permitted in the UK between 1300 and 1900, this will enable aircraft movements above 20,000ft in UK airspace.

"We will continue to monitor Met Office information and the situation is likely to change during the course of the day. We will make a further statement at approximately 1500.

"NATS is maintaining close dialogue with the Met Office and with the UK's safety regulator, the CAA, in respect of the international civil aviation policy we follow in applying restrictions to use of airspace.

"We are working closely with Government, airports and airlines, and airframe and aero engine manufacturers to get a better understanding of the effects of the ash cloud and to seek solutions.