Airports in Scotland and Northern Ireland were forced to cancel hundreds of flights as the ash cloud from the eruption of Iceland’s Grimsvötn volcano has started to make landfall in Northern Europe, reports Le Monde.
So far, 252 flights have been cancelled and experts are predicting that the number could double to 500 by the end of the day today (May 24), if the ash cloud continues to drift over Northern Europe.
The volcanic ash is expected to effect flights in the Scottish cities of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Prestwick, as well as Londonderry in Northern Ireland and the cities of Newcastle, Carlisle, Durham Tees Valley and Cumbernauld in Northern England, according to CTV.
Still, officials say that the disruption should not reach the same levels as last year’s eruption of Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull, which grounded thousands of flights and left travelers stranded for extended periods of time.
Passengers flying into or out of Northern Europe are advised to confirm with their airlines before heading to the airport.