RESTRICTIONS on UK airspace – which have forced the closure of Stansted Airport, Gatwick and Heathrow – are beginning to lift, National Air Traffic Services (NATS) have said. A NATS spokesman said: The volcanic eruption has reduced and the volcano is not

RESTRICTIONS on UK airspace - which have forced the closure of Stansted Airport, Gatwick and Heathrow - are beginning to lift, National Air Traffic Services (NATS) have said.

A NATS spokesman said: "The volcanic eruption has reduced and the volcano is not currently emitting ash to altitudes that will affect the UK.

"Assuming there are no further significant ash emissions we are now looking at a continuously improving situation.

"Based on the latest information from the Met Office, NATS advises that the restrictions currently in place across UK controlled airspace will remain in place until 0700 (local time) tomorrow, Tuesday.

"From 0700 (local time) tomorrow, Tuesday, Scottish airspace will be open, and south to a line between Teesside and Blackpool. Mainland Scottish airports will be open.

"This is a dynamic and changing situation and is therefore difficult to forecast beyond 0700 local; however, the latest Met Office advice is that the contaminated area will continue to move south with the possibility that restrictions to airspace above England and Wales, including the London area, may be lifted later tomorrow (Tuesday).

"We will continue to monitor Met Office information and review our arrangements in line with that. We will advise further arrangements at approximately 2100 (local time), today.

"It is now for airports and airlines to decide how best to utilise this opportunity. Passengers should contact their airlines to find out how this will affect their travel plans.