Volcano ash chaos hits business and sport
Updated on 17 April 2010
Restrictions on flights in and out of the UK will stay in place until at least 7am on Sunday morning because of the Icelandic volcano ash cloud which is "moving around and changing shape".
Air traffic control company Nats has said that if the ash "moves sufficiently", some domestic flights may be able to take off from Scotland and Northern Ireland.
But dramatic new aerial film, obtained exclusively by the AP news agency, shows the Eyjaffjallajokull mountain still spewing huge plumes of smoke and ash into the sky.
The dust cloud has prevented many flights from entering or leaving the UK since lunchtime on Thursday.
Fears about the extent of the economic impact are now beginning to grow.
UK supermarkets face significant disruption to their supply chains due to the ban on air freight.
Airport operator BAA said passengers should not travel to its airports as no flights would take off or land on Saturday.
A Nats statement read: "The volcanic ash cloud from Iceland is moving around and changing shape.
"Based on the latest information, Nats advises that the restrictions currently in place across UK controlled airspace will remain in place until Sunday April 18.
"We will continue to monitor the Met Office and review our arrangements in line with that."
There are reports of the ash now falling to the ground in the far north of Scotland. Residents in Shetland and Aberdeen have described a "sulphurous smell".
NHS officials have said: "It is important to stress that the concentration of particles which does reach ground level is likely to be low and should not cause serious harm.
"If people are outside and notice symptoms such as itchy or irritated eyes, runny nose, sore throat or dry cough, or if they notice a dusty haze in the air or can smell sulphur, rotten eggs, or a strong acidic smell, they may wish to limit their activities outdoors or return indoors."
The ash, from the Icelandic mountain Eyjaffjalljokull, also caused airport and aircraft movement shutdowns in other parts of Europe, including France, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Holland.
Authorities in Sweden have also announced airspace will remain closed for the entire day and possibly also on Sunday.
Meanwhile the ash is having a big impact on the sporting world. Cyclist Bradley Wiggins has been forced to miss this weekend's Amstel Gold race in the Netherlands.
The three-time Olympic champion told his Twitter followers: "Can't get to Amstel this weekend due to Arthur!"
In football, the Manchester derby has also been affected. Steve Bennett, who was due to take charge of the game at Eastlands, has reportedly been stranded in Romania and has been replaced by Martin Atkinson.
West Indian fast bowler Tino Best, a new signing for Yorkshire, could have his debut delayed. The 28-year-old had been due to fly to the UK this weekend.
And promoters are being forced to cancel music concerts as artists are left unavle to fly.
