European flight bans extended

The Iceland volcano whose clouds of ash have closed European airports and airspace belched more columns of smoke and ash on Saturday. The continuation of these problems has resulted in countries across the continent extended their flight bans. European flight bans extended The Meteorological Institute in Reykjavik said Saturday morning that it had observed no change to the activity of the volcano near the Eyjafjallajoekull glacier on the southern part of the island. Winds had turned to the south, meaning that the clouds of ash would continue to be driven across Europe. Rain, which could dissipate the ash, was not in the immediate forecast. As conditions for aviation were expected to worsen Saturday, countries around Europe kept planes on the ground for a third day. Germany closed its airspace, all 16 of its international airports and regional airports until at least 2 pm (1200 GMT) Saturday. The airports of northern France, including Paris' two airports, were closed until the same time Britain extended the closure of its airspace until at least 7 pm (1800 GMT) and reversed its decision to lift restrictions on Scotland and Northern Ireland, hours after easing them, the BBC reported. The flight cancellations have stranded tens of thousands of air travellers.

European flight bans extended

The Meteorological Institute in Reykjavik said Saturday morning that it had observed no change to the activity of the volcano near the Eyjafjallajoekull glacier on the southern part of the island.

Winds had turned to the south, meaning that the clouds of ash would continue to be driven across Europe.

Rain, which could dissipate the ash, was not in the immediate forecast.

As conditions for aviation were expected to worsen Saturday, countries around Europe kept planes on the ground for a third day.

Germany closed its airspace, all 16 of its international airports and regional airports until at least 2 pm (1200 GMT) Saturday.

The airports of northern France, including Paris' two airports, were closed until the same time

Britain extended the closure of its airspace until at least 7 pm (1800 GMT) and reversed its decision to lift restrictions on Scotland and Northern Ireland, hours after easing them, the BBC reported.

The flight cancellations have stranded tens of thousands of air travellers.