RAIL operators are putting on extra train services to cope with demand from stranded airline passengers. All UK flights have been grounded until at least 1am on Saturday due to a volcanic ash cloud moving across the jet stream following an eruption in Ice

RAIL operators are putting on extra train services to cope with demand from stranded airline passengers.

All UK flights have been grounded until at least 1am on Saturday due to a volcanic ash cloud moving across the jet stream following an eruption in Iceland on Thursday morning (April 14).

In response Network Rail is helping operators to run more services to deal with the extra demand.

Network Rail's director of operations and customer services, Robin Gisby, said: "Network Rail is doing everything it can to help passengers whose journeys have been disrupted by the volcanic ash cloud.

"We have reviewed all engineering work we have planned for the next few days and where it will allow train operators to run existing or extra services, this work has been cancelled.

"This mainly applies to long-distance operators on the east and west coast mainlines and on routes to the Channel ports.

"I would like to take this opportunity to assure the public that the volcanic ash cloud is having no material impact on the safe and punctual running of passenger and freight trains.